bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schweres Asthma: Lebensverändernde Erfahrungen von Super-Respondern auf Biologika
Authors: Lang Susanne M.
Published: February 2023

Background: There is limited information on the patient’s perspective of how biologic treatments impact their lives. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the patient’s experience of being considered a super-responder from a quality of life perspective. Methods: Patients with severe asthma identified as super-responders were invited to semi-structured interviews conducted online. Participants could bring a family member/friend to the interview. The interviews explored experiences of biologic treatment, were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-five participants took part in this study. Themes emerged on the impact of biologic treatment for participants and for their friends/family: (i) Words used to describe their often life-changing experiences and (ii) the positive changes noted. Biologic treatment stopped the disruption of family life and social life caused by exacerbations. Improvements in mental health were also noted. Marked individual variations in the way it affected their lives were noted. Most participants noticed improvements 2–3 months after starting their biologic, but some noticed improvement within a few days and others after 6 months. Conclusion: Super-responders reported profound but heterogeneous improvements following biologic treatment beyond asthma symptoms and exacerbations including important benefits to social and family life. Improvements may be underestimated as social and family benefits are not reliably measured in current studies with implications for health economic evaluations. Not all patients are super-responders, and excellent responses may be lost in group mean data in trials. Individual time course and response patterns need further elucidation to identify who will respond best to biologics.
Robotergestützte Lobektomie beim NSCLC: Eine moderne und vielversprechende Methode zur Behandlung – auch von älteren Patienten
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery has become the standard for the early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The appropriateness of the kind of lung resection for the elderly patients is still debated. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with older than 75 years who underwent robotic lobectomy between May 2016 to June 2022. We selected 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study. The preoperative cardiorespiratory functional evaluations were collected, and the risk of postoperative complications was calculated according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the American College of Surgery surgical risk calculator (ACS-NSQIP), EVAD score, and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score. The patients were divided in two groups according to the presence of postoperative complications. Results: Forty-three patients were female, and 72.8% of the total population were former or active smokers. Thirty-five patients reported postoperative complications. The analysis of the two groups showed that the predicted postoperative forced expiratory volumes in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower in patients presenting postoperative complications (p = 0.04). Moreover, the upstaging rate and the unexpected nodal metastases were higher in the postoperative complication groups. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer is a safe and feasible approach in selected elderly patients. The factors that could predict the complication rate was the predicted postoperative FEV1 and the nodal disease.
Tattoo Pigments Are Localized Intracellularly in the Epidermis and Dermis of Fresh and Old Tattoos: In vivo Study Using Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Kröger Marius , Schleusener Johannes , Lademann Jürgen , Meinke Martina C. , Jung Sora , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: February 2023

Background: The knowledge about the location and kinetics of tattoo pigments in human skin after application and during the recovery is restricted due to the limitation of in vivo methods for visualizing pigments. Here, the localization and distribution of tattoo ink pigments in freshly and old tattooed human skin during the regeneration of the epidermis and dermis were investigated in vivo. Methods: Two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging (TPE-FLIM) was used to identify tattoo ink pigments in human skin in vivo down to the reticular dermis. One subject with a freshly applied tattoo and 10 subjects with tattoos applied over 3 years ago were investigated in the epidermal and dermal layers in vivo. One histological slide of tattooed skin was used to localize skin-resident tattoo pigment using light microscopy. Results: The carbon black particles deposited around the incision have still been visible 84 days after tattoo application, showing delayed recovery of the epidermis. The TPE-FLIM parameters of carbon black tattoo ink pigments were found to be different to all skin components except for melanin. Distinction from melanin in the skin was based on higher fluorescence intensity and agglomerate size. Using TPE-FLIM in vivo tattoo pigment was found in 75% of tattoos applied up to 9 years ago in the epidermis within keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and basal cells and in the dermis within the macrophages, mast cells, and fibroblasts. Loading of highly fluorescent carbon black particles enables in vivo imaging of dendritic cells in the epidermis and fibroblasts in the dermis, which cannot be visualized in native conditions. The collagen I structures showed a higher directionality similar to scar tissue resulting in a greater firmness and decreased elasticity of the tattooed skin. Conclusions: Here, we show the kinetics and location of carbon black tattoo ink pigment immediately after application for the first time in vivo in human skin. Carbon black particles are located exclusively intracellularly in the skin of fresh and old tattoos. They are found within macrophages, mast cells, and fibroblasts in the dermis and within keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and basal cells in the continuously renewed epidermis even in 9-year-old tattoos in skin showing no inflammation.
The Science of Extracorporeal Ultrafiltration: Introducing a Novel Miniaturized Device
Authors: Sgarabotto Luca , Kazory Amir , Brendolan Alessandra , Di Lullo Luca , Zanella Monica , Ronco Claudio
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Fluid overload has been associated with untoward outcomes in a variety of clinical settings. Isolated extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF) allows for mechanical extraction of excess fluid and optimization of volume status without the established risks associated with use of high-dose diuretics. Conventional machines for renal replacement therapy can be used to perform isolated UF. However, they typically need high blood flow rates with high circuit volumes and the therapy has to be performed by trained nurses. Herein, we describe a novel device, the Artificial Diuresis-1, or AD 1 (Medica S.p.A., Medolla, Italy), which is a portable technology designed to perform extracorporeal UF at bedside. Materials and Methods: The AD 1 uses a polysulfone mini-filter to generate ultrafiltrate with the help of two forces: blood flow (Qb) and gravity (based on the height at which the ultrafiltrate collection bag is placed). In vitro experiments were performed using human blood to evaluate vascular access pressures and ultrafiltrate volumes using various central venous catheters (CVCs; 12 Fr bilume, 10 Fr with 2 separate lumens, pediatric catheter 7 Fr). A variety of combinations were tested with Qb of 20, 35, 50 mL/min and collection bag height at 20, 40, 60 cm, measuring the UF rate per minute while monitoring the pressures in the venous and arterial lines and filtration fraction. Results: The device’s performance was as expected. Regarding the pediatric CVC, it was possible to perform measurements only with a Qb of 20 mL/min due to increased venous pressure. UF rates when lines were directly connected to the blood container as well as for CVC Tesio ranged from 3.7 to 11 mL/min, for the CVC Niagara™ from 4.5 to 12.5 mL/min, and for the CVC 7 Fr from 8.5 to 10 mL/min. The pressures of the vascular accesses were kept within a range of −5/-40 mm Hg for the artery and +10/+70 mm Hg for the vein. The highest venous pressure values were found with the CVC 7 Fr (+80/+100 mm Hg). Conclusions: This novel device allows to treat patients with fluid overload in a variety of settings, from low-intensity department such as long-term care facilities to the intensive care unit. The device is small and portable, has a simple design, and is user friendly. Future studies will be needed to evaluate whether gentle UF and treatment of volume overload will translate into improvement in clinical outcomes such as a reduction in congestion-related hospital admissions.
Exosomes in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wen Jin , Zeng Mengru , Yang Yiya , Liang Yumei , Fu Ping , Dong Zheng
Published: February 2023

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and a common cause of end-stage kidney disease. The incidence of DKD is rising worldwide and associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality, indicating an urgent need to further explore the underlying pathogenesis and potential biomarkers. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by all cell types that play an essential role in cellular homeostasis and intercellular communications by transferring molecular cargoes between different cells. Summary: Emerging evidence indicates that exosomes are both a crucial signaling mediator and a potential biomarker of DKD. On the one hand, exosomes released by various kidney resident cells facilitate the cell-cell crosstalk as a contributing factor in DKD; on the other hand, exosomes can be detected from urine and blood and have emerged as promising noninvasive biomarkers for DKD. Key Messages: Herein, we highlight the recent advances in research on the role of exosomes from different kidney resident cells in DKD. We further discuss the potential use of urine exosomes as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
Deacetylation of Septin4 by SIRT2 (Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog-2) Mitigates Damaging of Hypertensive Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Naijin , Zou Yuanming , Song Chunyu , Cao Kexin , Wu Boquan , You Shilong , Lu Saien , Wang Dong , Xu Jiaqi , Huang Xinyue , Zhang Pengyu , Fan Zihao , Liu Jingwei , Cheng Zhongyi , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize , Cao Liu , Sun Yingxian
Published: February 2023

Background:

Hypertension can lead to podocyte damage and subsequent apoptosis, eventually resulting in glomerulosclerosis. Although alleviating podocyte apoptosis has clinical significance for the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy, an effective therapeutic target has not yet been identified. The function of septin4, a proapoptotic protein and an important marker of organ damage, is regulated by post-translational modification. However, the exact role of septin4 in regulating podocyte apoptosis and its connection to hypertensive renal damage remains unclear.

Methods:

We investigated the function and mechanism of septin4 in hypertensive nephropathy to discover a theoretical basis for targeted treatment. Mouse models including Rosa 26 (Gt(ROSA)26Sor)-
SIRT2
(silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-2)-Flag-TG (transgenic) (
SIRT2
-TG) mice
SIRT2
-knockout, and
septin4
-K174Q mutant mice, combined with proteomic and acetyl proteomics analysis, followed by multiple molecular biological methodologies, were used to demonstrate mechanisms of SIRT2-mediated deacetylation of septin4-K174 in hypertensive nephropathy.

Results:

Using transgenic
septin4
-K174Q mutant mice treated with the antioxidant Tempol, we found that hyperacetylation of the K174 site of septin4 exacerbates Ang II (angiotensin II)– induced hypertensive renal injury resulting from oxidative stress. Proteomics and Western blotting assays indicated that septin4-K174Q activates the cleaved-PARP1 (poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase family, member 1)-cleaved-caspase3 pathway. In septin4-knockdown human renal podocytes, septin4-K174R, which mimics deacetylation at K174, rescues podocyte apoptosis induced by Ang II. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses identified SIRT2 as a deacetylase that interacts with the septin4 GTPase domain and deacetylates septin4-K174. In
Sirt2
-deficient mice and SIRT2-knockdown renal podocytes, septin4-K174 remains hyperacetylated and exacerbates hypertensive renal injury. By contrast, in Rosa26-Sirt2-Flag (SIRT2-TG) mice and SIRT2-knockdown renal podocytes reexpressing wild-type SIRT2, septin4-K174 is hypoacetylated and mitigates hypertensive renal injury.

Conclusions:

Septin4, when activated through acetylation of K174 (K174Q), promotes hypertensive renal injury. Septin4-K174R, which mimics deacetylation by SIRT2, inhibits the cleaved-PARP1-cleaved-caspase3 pathway. Septin4-K174R acts as a renal protective factor, mitigating Ang II–induced hypertensive renal injury. These findings indicate that septin4-K174 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertensive renal injury.
Emergence in Artificial Life
Authors: Gershenson Carlos
Published: February 2023

Even when concepts similar to emergence have been used since antiquity, we lack an agreed definition. However, emergence has been identified as one of the main features of complex systems. Most would agree on the statement “life is complex.” Thus understanding emergence and complexity should benefit the study of living systems. It can be said that life emerges from the interactions of complex molecules. But how useful is this to understanding living systems? Artificial Life (ALife) has been developed in recent decades to study life using a synthetic approach: Build it to understand it. ALife systems are not so complex, be they soft (simulations), hard (robots), or wet(protocells). Thus, we can aim at first understanding emergence in ALife, to then use this knowledge in biology. I argue that to understand emergence and life, it becomes useful to use information as a framework. In a general sense, I define emergence as information that is not present at one scale but present at another. This perspective avoids problems of studying emergence from a materialist framework and can also be useful in the study of self-organization and complexity.
An Electronic Bandoneon with a Dynamic Sound Synthesis System Based
on Measured Acoustic Parameters
Authors: Ramos Juan , Calcagno Esteban , Vergara Ramiro , Rizza Joaquín , Riera Pablo
Published: February 2023

The bandoneon is a distinctive free-reed instrument with profound ties to tango culture and Latin American music. The scarcity of manufacturers and the related high retail prices, however, are restricting access to the instrument for new generations of musicians. By combining modern technologies and scientific research, the Bandoneon 2.0 project aims to create an expressive and accessible new version of the instrument.

In this article, we present an electronic bandoneon with a custom sound synthesis system. We also present an acoustic measurement system with which we analyzed the sound and air pressure signals of an acoustic bandoneon. Through this, we characterized several sound attributes that are utilized in a synthesis model made in Faust DSP. Combining the controller interface and the custom synthesizer, the electronic bandoneon we created can achieve a good level of expressiveness and engagement for the performer. We aim to produce an instrument that can be used in recreational, academic, and professional contexts to address the current sociocultural demand.
An Analytical Approach to the Scenic Realization of Electroacoustic Music: The Theatricality of Lumínico
Authors: Eisner Guillermo
Published: February 2023

The present work studies the scenic realizations of the ensemble called Lumínico (Rodrigo Sigal and Alejandro Escuer) from the perspective of intermediality, performance theory, musicality, and theatricality. Lumínico's proposal offers, as sound and audiovisual artists, an alternative to the experience of the traditional chamber music and electroacoustic concert, both to themselves and to the audience. In the field of music, it blurs the binary distinction between artistic work and audience by transferring the creation of the uninterrupted concert to the very moment of its execution and reception. This way, a Lumínico concert generates a unique, unrepeatable, and ephemeral event that emerges thanks to the characteristics of the scenic realization, starring the ensemble members and the audience.
Construction of nest mound and preference for it during relocation in an Indian ant Diacamma indicum
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kushankur , Annagiri Sumana
Published: February 2023

Ants living in subterranean nests face the challenge of nest flooding and require to combat this recurring issue. The tropical Ponerine ant species, Diacamma indicum, living in simple nests with a single chamber, was used in the current study to examine mound building in the lab. Upon stimulating rain ( colonies) they built significantly larger nest mounds as compared to controls. Nest mounds proved to be important to colonies that had experienced rain while relocating. Relocating colonies showed significantly higher preference for new nests with mounds (12/13) when choosing between two equidistant, similar quality potential new nests in contrast to control relocations. To the best of our knowledge this study for the first-time documents mound building behaviour in any Ponerine species in laboratory conditions and introduces nest mounds as another architectural feature of interest to relocating colonies.
The Historical Depth of the Tiberian Reading Tradition of Biblical Hebrew
Authors: Hornkohl Aaron D.
Published: February 2023

This volume explores an underappreciated feature of the standard Tiberian Masoretic tradition of Biblical Hebrew, namely its composite nature. Focusing on cases of dissonance between the tradition’s written (consonantal) and reading (vocalic) components, the study shows that the Tiberian spelling and pronunciation traditions, though related, interdependent, and largely in harmony, at numerous points reflect distinct oral realisations of the biblical text. Where the extant vocalisation differs from the apparently pre-exilic pronunciation presupposed by the written tradition, the former often exhibits conspicuous affinity with post-exilic linguistic conventions as seen in representative Second Temple material, such as the core Late Biblical Hebrew books, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Ben Sira, rabbinic literature, the Samaritan Pentateuch, and contemporary Aramaic and Syriac material. On the one hand, such instances of written-reading disharmony clearly entail a degree of anachronism in the vocalisation of Classical Biblical Hebrew compositions. On the other, since many of the innovative and secondary features in the Tiberian vocalisation tradition are typical of sources from the Second Temple Period and, in some cases, are documented as minority alternatives in even earlier material, the Masoretic reading tradition is justifiably characterised as a linguistic artefact of profound historical depth.
From “Anglophone Problem” to “Anglophone Conflict” in Cameroon: Assessing Prospects for Peace
Authors: Beseng Maurice , Crawford Gordon , Annan Nancy
Published: February 2023

Since 2017, an armed conflict has been raging in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon between separatist forces and the Cameroonian military. This review analyses the historical origins and root causes of the conflict; the trigger mechanism of rising protests and state repression in 2016; the emergence and evolution of the armed conflict over the past 5 years; its impact on civilians; and hopes for peace. However, there is currently little prospect for conflict resolution as the Cameroon government appears intent on ignoring limited international pressure, maintaining the charade that the “security crisis” is over and reconstruction is underway, while continuing its counter-insurgency strategy to militarily defeat the armed separatist groups. We note that, while the desire for peace is profound, the political status quo is no longer tolerable nor acceptable, with conflict resolution dependent on political changes that provide, at a minimum, the Anglophone regions with greater autonomy and protection of their particular identity and institutions.
False-Positive Nodes With Axillary Silicone Lymphadenopathy in an Oncologic Patient With a Rare Breast Cancer and Implant Rupture
Authors: Herrera-Gutiérrez Raúl , Valdés-Flores Everardo , García-Pérez Mauricio M. , Castro-Govea Yanko
Published: February 2023

In this case, a 43-year-old woman with a rare breast tumor and a history of augmentation mammoplasty is presented. The patient arrived at the clinic reporting a palpable lump in the right mammary gland and two ipsilateral axillary nodes with pain on palpation. Mammography and ultrasound confirmed the presence of a 4 cm tumor and 2 metastatic lymph nodes of 2 cm each, histopathological diagnosis was an encapsulated papillary cancer and two siliconomas, respectively. Interestingly, these nodes were able to take up technetium 99 and methylene blue contrast media. Due to these findings, adequate patient management was carried out with a skin-sparing mastectomy and hormonal treatment with tamoxifen. This report is relevant as it shows that axillary lymphadenopathy caused by silicone must be considered in the evaluation of a patient with a cancer diagnosis and history of augmentation mammoplasty, especially breast cancer as the node siliconomas present a high risk of being considered a false positive metastasis.
An exploration of the concept of mental health recovery: Insights from practitioners and trainees
Authors: Badu Naomi , Usher Kim , Rice Kylie , Schutte Nicola , Islam Md Shahidul
Published: February 2023

Background

Recovery concepts were conceived by, and for, people living with mental health issues. Practitioners are key in translating recovery principles into action. Therefore, practitioners’ perceptions should be routinely assessed to facilitate in-service training, professional development, and curriculum redesign.

Aim

To explore practitioners’ and trainees’ current perspectives regarding the concept of recovery.

Methods

The study used a qualitative exploratory design with in-depth interviews to explore ten fully trained practitioners and eight trainees’ perspectives on recovery.

Results

The findings revealed a shared understanding of recovery among practitioners and trainees. Many responses explained recovery as a process involving internal and external conditions, however, some revealed medically oriented perspectives and/or were unclear about recovery terminologies.

Conclusions

There is convergence and growing acceptance of the recovery practice principles among practitioners and trainees. However, the results suggest that the recovery principles/terminologies have not yet been universally adopted.

Implications for practice and research

Continuous training on recovery principles is needed, incorporating emerging terminologies and principles. Also, education providers are encouraged to continue to review their training to incorporate emerging issues and trends in recovery-oriented practice. Finally, research is needed to enhance the development and delivery of recovery-focused practice.
Rebel Fragmentation and Protracted Conflicts: Lessons from SPLM/A in South Sudan
Authors: Nyadera Israel Nyaburi , Islam Md. Nazmul , Shihundu Felix
Published: February 2023

The rise in splinter groups within rebel movements and opposition groups has serious implications for conflict resolution efforts. Yet existing literature has not sufficiently touched on the key implications and factors that lead to the split and fragmentation of rebel groups. One of the conflicts that have been impacted by the problem of fragmentation of warring parties is the South Sudan conflict. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has experienced internal fragmentation historically during the struggle for independence from Sudan and today during the civil war that began in 2011. New groups have emerged claiming to be paying allegiance to leaders and pursuing a different course. This paper argues that internal fragmentation within the SPLM constitutes a serious threat to peace in Africa’s youngest nation. The author examines the motivations behind such fragmentations and their implication in the understanding of the South Sudan prolonged conflict. The paper begins by examining the causes of the South Sudan conflict and the patterns of violence, and it assesses wartime governance and the fragmentation of the groups. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for the resolution of the conflict.
Single-Cell Analyses of the Oral Mucosa Reveal Immune Cell Signatures
Authors: Liu Y. , Xu T. , Jiang W. , Ma Y. , Zhang Q. , Chen N. , Chu M. , Chen F.
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common immune-related disease of the gastrointestinal tract that affects many people around the world. Extraintestinal manifestations of IBD have been frequently observed in recent years; one of these, periodontitis, has gained increasing attention. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of periodontal tissues due to the disruption of host immune homeostasis. Clinical studies have revealed that periodontal inflammation is associated with IBD. However, the detailed heterogeneity of immune cells and their developmental relationships remain poorly understood at the single-cell level. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing to assess the transcriptome heterogeneity in periodontal tissues. We found the cellular composition and subclusters with specific gene expression profiles by uniform manifold approximation and projection. Pseudo-time analysis combined with gene enrichment analysis was performed to reveal cell states and key pathways. Ligand–receptor pairs revealed cell–cell communication among the immune cell types in periodontal tissues. Based on our analysis, we identified an essential role for Tcr+ macrophage, Prdx1+ neutrophil, and Mif+ T subpopulations with proinflammatory phenotype infiltration. Moreover, we examined the heterogeneity of monocytic cells and B cells. Collectively, the mapping of scRNA revealed the complex cellular landscape of oral mucosa immune cells and highlighted these immune cells as a previously unrecognized factor that may aggravate inflammation. Our analysis proves that periodontitis could exacerbate colitis and provides novel ideas for controlling and preventing IBD exacerbations.
“Listening” to Paintings: Synergetic Effect of a Cross-Modal Experience on Subjective Perception
Authors: Isaacson Atara , Assis Amichay , Adi-Japha Esther
Published: February 2023

This mixed-methods study focused on cross-modal change in perception of paintings, by coupling them with related musical pieces. 120 participants were assessed using an online form, distributed via social media. They were asked to choose one of three realistic or abstract paintings, evaluate their perceptual characteristics on five semantic differential rating scales and answer three questions. The participants were then given a choice of three musical pieces (pre-selected to suit each painting) to match their chosen painting. Our findings revealed a significant change in three of the five scales. Moreover, for 93 of the 120 participants, the experience of looking at a painting while listening allowed projection of newly found perception or properties associated with music (dynamism through time, mobility, and the evocation of self-expression) onto the painting. These data suggest that as observers combine stylistically-fitting music with a painting, they find new meaning and value, thereby enhancing their experience.
Effects of insufficient sleep on sensorimotor processing in migraine: A randomised, blinded crossover study of event related beta oscillations
Authors: Mykland Martin Syvertsen , Uglem Martin , Bjørk Marte-Helene , Matre Dagfinn , Sand Trond , Omland Petter Moe
Published: February 2023

Background

Migraine has a largely unexplained connection with sleep and is possibly related to a dysfunction of thalamocortical systems and cortical inhibition. In this study we investigate the effect of insufficient sleep on cortical sensorimotor processing in migraine.

Methods

We recorded electroencephalography during a sensorimotor task from 46 interictal migraineurs and 28 controls after two nights of eight-hour habitual sleep and after two nights of four-hour restricted sleep. We compared changes in beta oscillations of the sensorimotor cortex after the two sleep conditions between migraineurs, controls and subgroups differentiating migraine subjects usually having attacks starting during sleep and not during sleep. We included preictal and postictal recordings in a secondary analysis of temporal changes in relation to attacks.

Results

Interictally, we discovered lower beta synchronisation after sleep restriction in sleep related migraine compared to non-sleep related migraine (p=0.006) and controls (p=0.01). No differences were seen between controls and the total migraine group in the interictal phase. After migraine attacks, we observed lower beta synchronisation (p<0.001) and higher beta desynchronisation (p=0.002) after sleep restriction closer to the end of the attack compared to later after the attack.

Conclusion

The subgroup with sleep related migraine had lower sensorimotor beta synchronisation after sleep restriction, possibly related to dysfunctional GABAergic inhibitory systems. Sufficient sleep during or immediately after migraine attacks may be of importance for maintaining normal cortical excitability.
Efficacy, safety and indirect comparisons of lasmiditan, rimegepant, and ubrogepant for the acute treatment of migraine: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Puledda Francesca , Younis Samaira , Huessler Eva-Maria , Haghdoost Faraidoon , Lisicki Marco , Goadsby Peter J , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: February 2023

Background

We performed a random-effects network meta-analysis to study the efficacy and safety of newly developed drugs for the acute treatment of migraine attacks.

Methods

MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 11 February 2022. Phase 3 randomized controlled trials examining all formulations of lasmiditan, rimegepant and ubrogepant for the acute treatment of adults with migraine, were included. Data were extracted following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Seven studies (SAMURAI, SPARTAN, CENTURION, Study 302, Study 303, ACHIEVE I and II) involving n = 12,859 patients were included. All treatments were superior in efficacy to placebo. Lasmiditan 200 mg showed the highest two-hour pain freedom, while two-hour freedom from most bothersome symptom was equally achieved by the higher doses of lasmiditan (100 and 200 mg), rimegepant and the higher doses of ubrogepant (50 and 100 mg). The odds of treatment-emergent adverse events were greatest with all doses of lasmiditan.

Conclusion

Lasmiditan 200 mg was the most effective intervention in the treatment of migraine attacks, although it was associated with high degrees of dizziness, nausea and somnolence. Rimegepant showed slightly lower, but similar efficacy rates to lasmiditan. Ubrogepant had overall the best tolerability profile. These conclusions are limited by the absence of head-to-head comparisons, limitations of individual trials and of the meta-analysis methodology itself. PROSPERO trial registration: CRD42022308224
Safety and tolerability of monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway and gepants in migraine prevention: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Messina Roberta , Huessler Eva-Maria , Puledda Francesca , Haghdoost Faraidoon , Lebedeva Elena R , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: February 2023

Background

Direct comparisons of the tolerability and safety of migraine preventive treatments targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway are lacking. This study aimed to compare the safety and tolerability of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and gepants in migraine prevention.

Methods

A network meta-analysis of phase 3 randomized controlled trials assessing the safety and tolerability of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, eptinezumab, fremanezumab, or galcanezumab) and gepants (atogepant, rimegepant) in migraine prevention was performed. Primary outcomes were treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes included any adverse events, adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation and individual adverse events.

Results

We included 19 randomized controlled trials, comprising 14,584 patients. Atogepant 120 mg (OR 2.22, 95% CI [1.26, 3.91]) and galcanezumab 240 mg (OR 1.63, 95% CI [1.33, 2.00]) showed the largest odds of treatment-emergent adverse events compared to placebo. While eptinezumab 30 mg had greater odds of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (OR 2.62, 95% CI [1.03,6.66]). No significant differences in serious adverse events were found between active treatments and placebo. Eptinezumab was associated with the lowest odds of treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events compared to placebo, whereas erenumab was associated with the lowest odds of any adverse events and quarterly fremanezumab with the lowest odds of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events.

Conclusion

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway and gepants are a safe and well tolerated option for migraine prevention.
Freeway Congestion Management With Reinforcement Learning Headway Control of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Elmorshedy Lina , Smirnov Ilia , Abdulhai Baher
Published: February 2023

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems are increasingly offered in new vehicles in the market today, and they form a core building block for future full autonomous driving. ACC systems allow vehicles to maintain a desired headway to a leading vehicle automatically. Recent research demonstrates that (1) shorter headways lead to higher throughput, and (2) the effective use of ACC can improve traffic flow by adapting the desired time headway in response to changing traffic conditions. In this paper we show that, although shorter headways result in higher capacity, flow breakdown still occurs if traffic densities at bottlenecks are allowed to exceed the critical density. Therefore, dynamic traffic control near bottlenecks is still necessary to avoid bottleneck activation and capacity loss. We propose an adaptive reinforcement learning (RL) headway controller that uses ACC headways to optimize traffic flow and minimize delay. Based on state measurements, the controller dynamically assigns an optimal headway value for each freeway section within a control cycle. In a freeway simulation example, we first demonstrate that different nondynamic headway assignment strategies failed to avoid congestion and traffic breakdown. We then present a dynamic headway control strategy based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) that adapts the desired headway according to the changing traffic conditions on both the freeway and the ramp to effectively maximize traffic flow and minimize system delay. We quantitatively demonstrate that our DRL dynamic headway control strategy improved traffic and reduced system delay by up to 57% compared with the examined nondynamic headways.
Why don’t democracies fight each other? The role of territorial issues
Authors: Owsiak Andrew P , Vasquez John A
Published: February 2023

Why don't democracies fight each other? Since discovering this empirical regularity, scholars have assumed that the answer must lie with regime type (i.e. democracy). Our paper provides and tests an alternative explanation: the territorial explanation of war, which stresses grievances and argues that territorial issues incentivize states to resort to war more often than disagreements over other, non-territorial issues. We show that democracies do not generally have territorial militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) or the territorial claims that would produce territorial MIDs. Democracies are peaceful because they lack the most dangerous grievances in the international system.
Cybernationalist authoritarianism: Fangirls’ peer production of the virtual celebrity ‘Oppa China’
Authors: Chew Matthew Ming-tak
Published: February 2023

This study has two research objectives. The first is to analyse a case of Chinese ‘cybernationalist authoritarianism’, which I define as the ideological articulation and practical conjoining of cybernationalism and digital authoritarianism. This intriguing case involves the peer production of a virtual celebrity called ‘Oppa China’ (阿中哥哥) by fangirls (饭圈女孩) in China. The empirical analysis contributes to ongoing debates on whether cybernationalists mainly serve or undermine authoritarianism in China. My second objective is to theoretically explore the rising phenomenon of cybernationalist authoritarianism. This exploration contributes to studies on the contemporary transformation of nationalism and authoritarianism. I approach the two objectives by analysing cybernationalist authoritarianism in terms of the interplay between cybernationalism and digital authoritarianism. I find that peer production is the key novel characteristic of cybernationalism and that authoritarian legitimation is the main imperative of digital authoritarianism. My analysis illustrates how the peer production of new and multiple cybernationalisms serves as well as undermines authoritarian legitimation. This study’s data include in-depth interviews, informal interviews, various documentary sources, big data from Weibo, and online participant observation.
‘Spiritual Training’ and Growth in Infused Virtue: Aquinas’s Model in Historical Context
Authors: Elliot David
Published: February 2023

This article examines the important role and historical context of spiritual ‘training’ ( exercitium) in St. Thomas Aquinas’s account of infused virtue growth. The traditional practice of spiritual training or discipline confronted the dangers of mediocrity, lukewarmness and relapse in the moral life, seeking further to train us into virtuous conduct through prayer, fasting, vigils, recitation of psalms, examination of conscience, meditation on Scripture, and so forth. Thomas strongly advocated this praxis as crucial to growth in infused virtue. I examine the concept of spiritual training as he knew it, and in particular bring into view the unfamiliar context and landscape which gave it intelligibility. To this end I articulate the patristic and medieval sources which he relied upon and show what is distinctive in his account relative to that of his contemporaries. While his account is not parochial to Dominican life, I argue that the Order's literature regulating the formation of friars sheds crucial light on how Thomas conceived of spiritual training in practice, and conclude by suggesting some implications for moral theology and virtue theory.
Geothermal energy and carbon emissions nexus in leading geothermal-consuming nations: Evidence from nonparametric analysis
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Adegboye Oluwatayomi Rereloluwa , Ojekemi Opeoluwa Seun
Published: February 2023

The pursuit of decarbonization has created an awareness globally in relation to geothermal energy, either for electricity generation or direct usage, since fuel combustion is not needed. Premised on this intriguing detail, this present research scrutinizes the impact of geothermal energy on CO2 emissions in the top seven geothermal energy-consuming nations. Using the quarterly dataset of geothermal and CO2 emissions stretching over the period between 1990 and 2019. The quantile-on-quantile (QQ) approach, which considers the conventional quantile analysis and nonparametric, is utilized in this research to provide more accurate and robust estimations. Furthermore, the QQ approach differentiates the impacts of geothermal energy on CO2 emissions into three quantiles: upper, medium, and lower. Additionally, the nonparametric causality-in-quantiles is used to evaluate the causation in quantiles between geothermal and CO2 emissions. From the outcomes of the QQ approach, we discovered that in several quantiles, geothermal energy mitigates environmental deterioration, wherein CO2 emission is reduced in Italy, Mexico, and New Zealand. However, geothermal energy boosts CO2 emissions in India, the USA, Turkey, and the Philippines. Furthermore, the nonparametric causality-in-quantiles discovered that geothermal energy predicts CO2 emissions in all nations.
How does information and communication technology affect carbon efficiency? Evidence at China's city level
Authors: Li Ge , Gao Da , Shi Xiao Xia
Published: February 2023

Increasing carbon efficiency is a key path to sustainable development, and information and communication technology (ICT) may help realize a win-win situation for the economy and the environment. However, the existing literature on the impact of ICT on carbon efficiency is relatively shallow. Using a database of Chinese cities, this study empirically explores the role of ICT in carbon efficiency from the aspects of direct impact, mediation effect, and threshold effect. Results show that ICT significantly improves the carbon efficiency represented by single-factor and total-factor carbon efficiency. The mediation effect indicates that technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, and external openness are effective ways for ICT to play its role. The threshold model shows that the promoting effect between the two depends on the local institutional environment. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that ICT plays a more remarkable role in promoting carbon efficiency in eastern regions. This study provides evidence for aggressively digitizing economies to shift towards a low-carbon economy. Policymakers are encouraged to consider better integrating ICTs into sustainable development strategies.
Early results of intramedullary nail fixation in distal tibia oblique osteotomy for the reduction of soft tissue complications
Authors: Morohashi Itaru , Mogami Atsuhiko , Wakeshima Tomoko , Kameda So , Matsuo Tomoji , Muraoka Tatsuhiko , Obayashi Osamu , Kaneko Kazuo , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: February 2023

Purpose: During distal tibial oblique osteotomy, external fixators can increase pin site infection risk, whereas plates can cause wound necrosis, necessitating a compromise between soft-tissue position and length. We provide the first report of the early results of intramedullary nail fixation in these osteotomies for avoiding soft tissue complications. Methods: Ten ankles, classed as Takakura–Tanaka stages 3a to 4 and unclassified and treated via distal tibial oblique osteotomy for ankle osteoarthritis between 2017 and 2021, were included. Osteotomy was performed obliquely from the distal medial tibia to the tibiofibular joint. The distal tibial fragment was rotated distally in the coronal plane for realignment. An intramedullary nail fixation was applied for stabilization. The resulting gap was filled with iliac bone graft. Ankles were evaluated on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle–Hindfoot Scale and Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire before surgery and at final follow-up. Radiographic assessments were performed. Results: Bone union was achieved within 3 months in all patients. There were no cases of wound necrosis or correction loss postsurgery. Japanese Society scale scores significantly improved from 40.3 ± 15.9 to 87.5 ± 12.6 (P < 0.01). Mean self-evaluation scale scores (pain and pain-related, physical functioning and daily living, social functioning, general health and well-being) improved significantly. shoe-related scores did not change significantly but improved. There was no correction loss after surgery, with an average widening of 24.2 mm and opening angle of 22.6° at the osteotomy site. Conclusion: Our study showed that intramedullary nail for fixation of the osteotomy site in distal tibial oblique osteotomy effectively prevents soft tissues complications even in osteotomy sites with large openings.
The Rohingya Refugee Crisis: A Social Semiotic Study of Visuals in The New York Times and The Washington Post
Authors: Irom Bimbisar , Borah Porismita , Gibbons Stephanie
Published: February 2023

In this social semiotic analysis, we examined visuals of Rohingya refugees in two U.S. newspapers: The New York Times and The Washington Post. We identified prominent tropes and themes exemplifying those tropes. Visuals connoted refugee vulnerability and subscribed to gender stereotypes. Media also leaned on familiar themes to translate “distant suffering.” Our study has addressed the urgent need to bridge academic/critical work on journalism and journalistic practice in the field. Our hope is that media practitioners will take steps to delink refugees from negative connotations.
The Importance of Context for Determining Causal Mechanisms in Program Evaluation: The Case of Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention Among the Luo in Western Kenya
Authors: Kabare Margaret , Northcote Jeremy
Published: February 2023

The importance of considering wider contexts when evaluating the success or failure of programs has been increasingly acknowledged with the shift towards culturally responsive evaluation. But one of the important advantages of contextual approaches has been mostly overlooked—that they can provide more “realist” evaluations for why programs fail or succeed. The careful identification of causal mechanisms involved in program delivery is important for avoiding spurious conclusions about the effectiveness of programs. Drawing on findings from a mixed-methods study conducted in Western Kenya among the Luo to evaluate the impacts of a HIV prevention program involving voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC), it is shown that the VMMC program was one of several variables that contributed to the desired outcome, being not so much the cause but a catalyst for accelerating the desired behavioral change that the surrounding context was already amenable to and contributing to, even before the program was introduced. The need for context evaluations is particularly obvious when programs are part of broader campaigns involving scale-up from one context to another.