bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Intestinal Ultrasound in Clinical Decision-Making for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Saleh Adam , Abraham Bincy P
Published: May 2023

Background

There is a clinical need to improve the monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. Despite being used regularly in European countries, intestinal ultrasound (IUS) has been implemented less in the United States for unclear reasons.

Aims

The aim of this study is to illustrate how IUS can be used as a clinical decision-making tool in an American IBD cohort.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated patients with IBD seen at our institution who underwent IUS as part of routine evaluation of their IBD from July 2020 to March 2022. To evaluate the clinical utility of IUS for different patient populations and against more frequently used measures of inflammation, we compared patient demographics, inflammatory markers, clinical scores, and medications between patients in remission and those with active inflammation. Treatment plans between the 2 groups were compared and we analyzed patients with follow-up IUS visits to validate treatment plan decisions at initial evaluation.

Results

Out of 148 total patients with IUS, we found that 62.1% (N = 92) of our patients had active disease and 37.9% (N = 56) were in remission. Ulcerative colitis activity index and Mayo scores were both significantly correlated with IUS findings. The treatment plan was significantly correlated with IUS findings (P = .004). At follow-up, we observed an overall decrease in intestinal thickening, improvements in vascular flow, and mural stratification.

Conclusions

Clinical decisions incorporating IUS findings effectively reduced inflammation in our IBD patients. IUS should be strongly considered by IBD clinicians in the United States for monitoring disease activity in IBD.
A comparative study of model-centric and data-centric approaches in the development of cardiovascular disease risk prediction models in the UK Biobank
Authors: Mamouei Mohammad , Fisher Thomas , Rao Shishir , Li Yikuan , Salimi-Khorshidi Ghomalreza , Rahimi Kazem
Published: May 2023

Aims

A diverse set of factors influence cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but a systematic investigation of the interplay between these determinants and the contribution of each to CVD incidence prediction is largely missing from the literature. In this study, we leverage one of the most comprehensive biobanks worldwide, the UK Biobank, to investigate the contribution of different risk factor categories to more accurate incidence predictions in the overall population, by sex, different age groups, and ethnicity.

Methods and results

The investigated categories include the history of medical events, behavioural factors, socioeconomic factors, environmental factors, and measurements. We included data from a cohort of 405 257 participants aged 37–73 years and trained various machine learning and deep learning models on different subsets of risk factors to predict CVD incidence. Each of the models was trained on the complete set of predictors and subsets where each category was excluded. The results were benchmarked against QRISK3. The findings highlight that (i) leveraging a more comprehensive medical history substantially improves model performance. Relative to QRISK3, the best performing models improved the discrimination by 3.78% and improved precision by 1.80%. (ii) Both model- and data-centric approaches are necessary to improve predictive performance. The benefits of using a comprehensive history of diseases were far more pronounced when a neural sequence model, BEHRT, was used. This highlights the importance of the temporality of medical events that existing clinical risk models fail to capture. (iii) Besides the history of diseases, socioeconomic factors and measurements had small but significant independent contributions to the predictive performance.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the need for considering broad determinants and novel modelling approaches to enhance CVD incidence prediction.
Reporting completeness of scoping reviews in orthodontic literature up to 2022. An empirical study
Authors: Mikelis Filippos , Koletsi Despina
Published: May 2023

Aim

To assess the quality of reporting of Scoping Reviews (ScRs) in Orthodontics according to the PRISMA Extension Checklist for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Our secondary aim was to identify publication characteristics, such as year of publication, journal, inclusion of a reporting guideline, and study registration, associated with ScRs reporting quality.

Materials and Methods

Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched as of 1 August 2022 for identification of orthodontic ScRs. This was supplemented by electronic searches within the contents of eleven specialty journals. The item-specific and overall reporting quality score of the examined orthodontic ScRs, based on the PRISMA Extension Checklist for Scoping Reviews were recorded. Association of reporting quality score with publication characteristics was further examined.

Results

A total of 40 ScRs were identified and included, with a mean reporting quality score of 73.0 per cent (standard deviation = 14). The majority of studies were published from 2020 onwards (32/40; 80.0%). Of the most adequately reported items were the summary of the evidence description in the Discussion (38/40; 95.0%) and the selection of the sources of evidence in the Results section (34/40; 85.0%). Protocol registration and reporting of limitations were missed in almost half of the ScRs (19/40; 47.5%), while less than half studies were adequately justified (18/40; 45.0%). According to the multivariable linear regression, adherence to appropriate reporting guidelines resulted in improved reporting quality score by 10 per cent (β-coefficient: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.19; P = 0.04), conditional on year and journal of publication. Year, journal of publication, and registration practices did not appear as significant predictors (P > 0.05 in all instances).

Conclusions

The reporting quality of the examined orthodontic ScRs was suboptimal, with questionable justification for their conduct and certain items being mostly affected.
Wealth, health and inequality in Agta foragers
Authors: Page Abigail E , Ruiz Milagros , Dyble Mark , Major-Smith Daniel , Migliano Andrea B , Myers Sarah
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives

There is significant evidence from large-scale, industrial and post-industrial societies that greater income and wealth inequality is negatively associated with both population health and increasing health inequalities. However, whether such relationships are inevitable and should be expected to impact the health of small-scale societies as they become more market-integrated is less clear.

Methodology

Here, using mixed-effect models, we explore the relationship between health, wealth, wealth inequality and health inequalities in a small-scale foraging population from the Philippines, the Agta.

Results

Across 11 camps, we find small to moderate degrees of wealth inequality (maximal Gini Coefficient 0.44) which is highest in the most permanent camps, where individuals engage more heavily in the formal market. However, in both adults (n = 161) and children (n = 215), we find little evidence that either wealth or wealth inequality associates with ill health, except for one measure of nutritional condition—red blood cell count.

Conclusions and implications

We interpret these results in the light of high levels of cooperation among the Agta which may buffer against the detrimental effects of wealth inequality documented in industrial and post-industrial societies. We observe little intergenerational wealth transmission, highlighting the fluid nature of wealth, and thus wealth inequality, particularly in mobile communities. The deterioration of nutritional status, as indicated by red blood cell counts, requires further investigation before concluding the Agta’s extensive cooperation networks may be beginning to breakdown in the face of increasing inequality.
Tracking Climate Securitization: Framings of Climate Security by Civil and Defense Ministries
Authors: Vogler Anselm
Published: May 2023

Defense ministries regularly frame climate security in their national security strategies. Recently, “civil” ministries also begun mentioning climate security. However, they do not mean the same thing. This article develops four indicators to assess the commitment of climate security framings to an understanding of climate security as either human/environmental or national security issue. It applies the indicators to fifty submissions of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) by civil ministries and seventy defense publications. The paper finds that NDC commonly refer to climate changes’ anthropogenic origins and biophysical impacts but rarely to indirect consequences such as migration or conflict. In contrast, military administrations rarely mention anthropogenic origins but warn more often than NDC of indirect consequences. This shows that a civil domestic discourse on climate security has emerged, more attuned to human security and environmental security and more conducive to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The paper argues that organizational theory can explain these differences in securitization: defense and civil ministries frame climate security differently so that it falls in line with their respective mandates and established organizational features. The article concludes with a checklist for assessing framings of climate security.
Effects of different processing techniques of broken rice on processing quality of pellet feed, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets
Authors: Yao Weilei , Yu Xinhong , Zhou Yan , Han Yanxu , Li Shimin , Yin Xinyi , Huang Xinlei , Huang Feiruo
Published: May 2023

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of different processing techniques of broken rice on processing quality of pellet feed, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and fecal microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 400 crossbred piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 7.24 ± 0.52 kg were used in a 28-d experiment. Piglets were randomly distributed to one of 4 treatment and 10 replicate pens per treatment, with 10 piglets per pen. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, corn as the main cereal type in the dietary; BR, 70% of the corn replaced by broken rice; ETBR, 70% of the corn replaced by extruded broken rice; EPBR, 70% of the corn replaced by expanded broken rice. Extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased hardness, pellet durability index, crispness, and starch gelatinization degree. Extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice generated a higher (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, and lowered (P < 0.05) the diarrhea rate. Piglets fed extruded broken rice displayed high apparent total tract digestibility levels of dry matter (P < 0.05), gross energy (P < 0.05), crude protein (P < 0.05), and organic matter (P < 0.05). In addition, extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation had increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels in gut, whereas a lower abundance of the potential pathogens Clostridium_sensu_strictio_1 and Streptococcus was observed. Dietary supplementation of extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice failed to show significant effects on blood biochemical parameters. Combined, 70% corn substituted with broken rice failed to show significant effects. Collectively, extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation had positively enhanced the pellet quality, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets.
549 The Quality of TikTok Videos in the Education, Prevention, and Management of Burn Injuries
Authors: Sheikh-Oleslami Sara , Tuen Young Ji , Hynes Sally
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Most burn injuries are preventable, and appropriate first aid post-injury results in improved outcomes for the patient as well as a reduced burden on the healthcare system. Many patients turn to internet resources for education and management approaches for their burn injuries. With the rising popularity of social media platforms for the promotion of health information, this creates a more accessible educational realm for those who may not know where to otherwise access informational resources. However, most content on social media is not validated or reliable. Previous studies have investigated the quality of online burn prevention, education, and management videos on platforms such as YouTube. In this study, we attempt to assess the quality of such videos on TikTok, a newer and rapidly growing platform.

Methods

Videos on TikTok were searched for using 27 keywords (hashtags) such as #burn, #education, #prevention, #management, and #firstaid. The first 30 videos for each hashtag were reviewed. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) was used to assess the quality of the videos that fell within the inclusion criteria. Metrics such as views, viewer engagement, commentary, and likes were also examined.

Results

Of 525 reviewed videos, 72 met inclusion criteria. 47.2% (n=34) were on first aid or medical management, 33.4% (n=31) were on basic information, and 9.7% (n=7) were on prevention. Only 5.6% (n=4) videos cited sources. The mean GQS score was 2.45. 50% of videos (n=36) were made by creators with medical training, and of those videos, the GQS score was 3.13, whereas content made by creators with no medical training had a mean GQS of 1.81 (p < 0.001). The excluded videos (n=453) fell into 6 main categories: unrelated (n=273), burn wounds (n=106), personal experiences (n=49), advertisements (n=8), questions (n=2), and non-English videos (n=15). Viewership varied from 41 to 4.2 million views.

Conclusions

Overall, information regarding burns on TikTok is unsatisfactory. Additionally, viewers are more drawn to lower quality videos. While quality varies amongst the different sources and is dependent on the creator, there is a significant gap in reliable content regarding burns, demonstrating an opportunity for validated content creation in this realm. Patients must exert caution and be selective when using TikTok as an educational resource regarding burns.

Applicability of Research to Practice

This review addresses key gaps in the knowledge base on TikTok for reliable burn information. This will later be used as a framework to create a series of educational videos for patients.
707 Comparing VTE Prophylaxis Strategies in Thermal Injuries: Don't Get Burned by Heparin!
Authors: O'Neil Christopher , Ramsey Walter , Meece Matthew , Proctor Kenneth , Satahoo Shevonne , Kaufman Joyce , Pizano Louis , Schulman Carl
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Burn patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as bleeding complications, thus choosing the best option for thromboprophylaxis can be challenging. Previous studies have analyzed the preferred antithrombotic agent in trauma patients, but this has not been established in burns. We hypothesize that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is associated with better outcomes than unfractionated heparin.

Methods

The Trauma Quality Improvement Project (TQIP) dataset was used to identify all patients with second- or third-degree burns that were administered VTE prophylaxis. Cases with missing data, < 24-hour hospital length of stay, other serious traumatic injuries (any AIS >3), interhospital transfer, history of kidney disease, or pre-hospital history of anticoagulant use were excluded. Bleeding complications were defined as hemorrhage control surgery, embolization procedures, or blood transfusion occurring after the initiation of thromboprophylaxis, consistent with other studies analyzing bleeding complications in TQIP. Rates of VTE and bleeding complications were compared between those who received heparin versus LMWH. Propensity score matching was performed to control for age, total body surface area percent (TBSA%) burned, and ICU admission (Table 1).

Results

The analysis included 9,857 patients (69% male). Median age was 50 (34-62) years. LWMH was associated with fewer complications including pulmonary embolism, any VTE, and bleeding (Table 2). Initiation of thromboprophylaxis within 24 hours of arrival was associated with a lower risk of VTE (1.0% vs 2.1%, p< 0.001) without showing a significant difference in bleeding complications (6.4% vs 7.2%, p=0.206).

Conclusions

This propensity score matched analysis of nearly ten thousand burn patients has demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin is associated with reduced risk of VTE and bleeding compared to heparin. Initiation of thromboprophylaxis within 24 hours is linked to lower rates of VTE. In burn patients without contraindications, thromboprophylaxis with LMWH should be started within 24 hours.

Applicability of Research to Practice

Venous thromboembolism is an important complication in burn patients, which may negatively impact patient outcomes. These patients regularly receive DVT prophylaxis and it is important for their care team to be able to select the proper agents.
709 Augmented Renal Clearance (ARC) is Highly Prevalent in Critically Ill Burn Patients
Authors: O'Neil Christopher , Ramsey Walter , Cohen Brianna , Lyons Nicole , Namias Nicholas , Satahoo Shevonne , Kaufman Joyce , Pizano Louis , Schulman Carl , Proctor Kenneth , Lineen Edward
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) has been reported to occur across many critical illnesses but has not been evaluated in critically ill burn patients. The impact of ARC on clinical outcomes within this population remains unknown. We hypothesize that ARC is prevalent in critically ill burn patients and is associated with improved survival.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively-maintained registry of Burn ICU patients from July 2021 – September 2022 at an academic burn center. We included patients in whom 24-hour urine creatinine collection was performed on admission and excluded patients in whom accurate collection was not performed within 48 hours of admission. Creatinine clearance was calculated for all patients who met inclusion criteria. ARC was determined to occur when creatine clearance exceeded 130 mL/min/1.73m2. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without ARC.

Results

The analysis included 24 patients (67% male, median age 42 [31-55] years). The median percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 25 [10-38]. ARC was present in 17 patients (71%). Mean creatinine clearance was 162 ml/min/1.73m2 (range 37-313), and 7 patients (29%) had creatinine clearance greater than 200. Complication rates were low and were similar between patients with and without ARC (all p >0.05).

Conclusions

ARC appears to be a common phenomenon among critically injured burn patients. While the presence of ARC could be particularly meaningful in this population of patients that often receives massive volumes of resuscitative fluids, the sample size of our study did not permit the detection of statistically significant differences in outcomes between burn patients with and without ARC. Further work must be undertaken to assess the impact of ARC on fluid resuscitation strategies and medication dosing including that of antibiotics and thromboprophylaxis agents.

Applicability of Research to Practice

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) has never before been characterized in the population of critically injured burn patients. This topic merits further research, as it could have far-reaching clinical impact relating to fluid resuscitation practices and dosing of renally-cleared medications (antibiotics, thromboprophylaxis, etc.).
755 3D Printed Mouth Stretcher
Authors: Almendinger Jana , Rosenstiel Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Microstomia can impede eating, speech, dental care, and surgical procedures (intubation). MPAs (microstomia preventative appliance/apparatus) are often used to manage burns around the mouth where there can be tightness in the oral commissures (microstomia). MPAs, however, are becoming more difficult to attain. Burn center therapy departments have been trying to find, or develop, a comparable replacement. Having been able to procure a 3D printer, our department is now able to print this new design. It has been trialed with a patient who reports the device is comfortable to wear and easy to use.

Methods

In developing a device to incrementally spread the oral commissures, different “garage tools” (C-clamp, caliper, wrench, etc) were trialed. From these ideas, this ratcheting slide version was determined to be the most durable and simple to use. The “clamp” ends were replaced with interchangeable “spools”. It is printed with a plastic filament called PLA (polylactic acid) and took between 100 minutes to 200 minutes to print all pieces of the mouth stretcher depended on the size of the device. The total cost to print ranges from $1.00 to $2.00 per device depending on the size. The main support, the slider, and the spools each need their own STL file, but were designed synchronously so that the parts all fit together properly. This mouth stretcher can be resized via different sized spools or made on a smaller scale for a pediatric version. It can also be used as a horizontal mouth stretcher (instead of using layers of tongue depressors).

Results

Our adult patient was able to improve his oral commissure measurements and he reports the device was comfortable and he was even able to sleep with it. The patient was able to increase the horizontal opening of his mouth 1 cm and vertical opening of his mouth 1.25 cm with inconsistent use over 9 months as he needed to take breaks due to another eye surgery during this time.

Conclusions

Stretching the oral commissures can be done cost-effectively (once a 3D printer is available) and easily used with minimal instruction for the patient. It could be trialed with varying sizes and shapes of “spools” for improving patient comfort and to minimize any areas of tissue breakdown (pressure sores) in the mouth. Past use of microsomia splints have been very beneficial, increasing mouth ROM which can diminish likelihood of surgical reconstruction and decrease the possibility of eversion of lower lip.

Applicability of Research to Practice

It may be difficult to provide for patients due to the expense of procuring a 3D printer and requires knowledge of 3D printing. However, as 3D printing becomes more commonplace in schools, hospitals, and homes, there will be increasing opportunity for further creativity, innovation, and use in the burn world.
Anti-deforestation npr-PPMs and Carbon Border Measures: Thinking About the Chapeau of Article XX GATT in Times of Climate Crisis
Authors: Leonelli Giulia Claudia
Published: May 2023

This article enquires into the extent to which the elusive Chapeau of Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) may constrain the ability of regulating Members to tackle environmental externalities via unilateral regulatory action. It employs an analysis of recent European Union regulatory measures to assess the rationale of different ‘indicators’ of compliance with the Chapeau and unpack their implications. The article illustrates that a good faith–centred interpretation of the Chapeau criteria helps identify aspects in the practical application of a measure that may afford protection to domestic products or result in country-based discrimination. It also preserves the margins of action of regulating Members and can improve the regulatory design and environmental effectiveness of unilateral measures. An expansive interpretation of ‘situational’ discrimination and ‘coercion’, by contrast, captures significant distortions of competitive opportunities between ‘like’ products, broadening market access and stretching the Chapeau beyond a good faith–centred focus. Furthermore, this interpretative approach can indirectly impact the regulatory design of the measures and undermine their environmental effectiveness. Against this backdrop, the article argues that the dispute settlement organs should carefully delimit the scope of the Chapeau conditions and adhere to a good faith–centred interpretative approach.
Teaching Mammalogy online: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and their application to the future
Authors: Beckmann Sean
Published: May 2023

Educators of natural history have long resisted incorporating digital technology into their pedagogy for several reasons, including a perceived loss of biophilia tied to the near-ubiquitous use of digital tools. Simultaneously, a push to embrace educational technology exists for several reasons, including expanding access to educational opportunities, increasing resource availability, addressing diverse learning modalities, and approaching ‘digital natives’ in a familiar space. While the debate continues, the COVID-19 pandemic forced nearly all educators, including mammalogists, to transition rapidly to digital education and to use technology to teach students effectively. While exceedingly difficult in some respects, this pivot to remote learning provided the opportunity to identify and to use online resources to enhance student learning. I propose that this integration of technology into Mammalogy courses resulted in the development of pedagogical tools that introduced students to skills and resources that they may not have accessed in traditional learning environments and that may have enhanced the educational experience of these same students. I present the results of a survey of online mammalogy education during the pandemic, provide examples of pedagogical tools developed during the pandemic, and propose that these tools should be integrated into Mammalogy courses in the future, but not supplant traditional lab and field experiences. These online resources are particularly useful for programs with limited resources and budgets or with limited geographic access to field experiences with live mammals.
Response to commentators on Gareth B. Matthews, The Child’s Philosopher (2022)
Authors: Gregory Maughn Rollins , Laverty Megan Jane
Published: May 2023

In this article we respond to the reviews, which appear in this issue, by Harry Brighouse, David Bakhurst, and Sheron Fraser-Burgess of our edited book Gareth B. Matthews, The Child’s Philosopher (Routledge 2022a). We are grateful for their sympathetic yet critical perspectives, which we take to be the very kind of engagement the philosophy for children movement requires in order to become more integrated with professional philosophical and educational theory and practice. We particularly value this opportunity to dialogue with scholars outside the movement, which has generated the insights we address here. In what follows, we think with our reviewers about what Matthews’ work reveals about areas of promise and of concern in the movement.
Democratizing philosophy for children: of difference and diverse ideas in Gareth Matthews’ Corpus
Authors: Fraser-Burgess Sheron
Published: May 2023

Maughn Rollins Gregory and Meghan Jane Laverty’s Gareth B. Matthews, The Child’s Philosopher explores the Philosophy for Children movement, and the way the work of Gareth B. Matthews carried forward its key components. In this paper, I consider the impact of Matthews’ embeddedness within a Western philosophical tradition, even as he strives mightily to propose a broad-minded approach to P4C. I draw upon the work of Amasa Philip Ndofirepi to explore the tensions and possibilities in reconciling Western and non-Western approaches to P4C. I argue that the social contexts of culture, ethnicity, and nationality can serve to broaden P4C curricula and pedagogy, making it fit for schools in a liberal democratic society.
Multivariate sensitivity analysis for a large-scale climate impact and adaptation model
Authors: Oyebamiji Oluwole Kehinde , Nemeth Christopher , Harrison Paula A , Dunford Robert W , Cojocaru George
Published: May 2023

We apply a new efficient methodology for Bayesian global sensitivity analysis for large-scale multivariate data. A multivariate Gaussian process is used as a surrogate model to replace the expensive computer model. To improve the computational efficiency and performance of the model, compactly supported correlation functions are used. The goal is to generate sparse matrices, which give crucial advantages when dealing with large data sets. The method was applied to multivariate data from the IMPRESSIONS Integrated Assessment Platform version 2. Our empirical results on Integrated Assessment Platform version 2 data show that the proposed methods are efficient and accurate for global sensitivity analysis of complex models.
Digynic monoandric triploidy in the setting of recurrent pregnancy loss: a case report and literature review
Authors: Raymond Caitlin , Han Song , Huang Gengming , Clement Cecilia , Thaker Harshwardhan , Dong Jianli
Published: May 2023

Triploidy is a genetic occurrence in which the chromosome count is 3n = 69 with a double (2n) chromosomal contribution to the conceptus from one parent. Such pregnancies are usually nonviable and are estimated to account for approximately 1% of recognized conceptions and 10% of recognized miscarriages. Majority opinion is that fetal losses due to triploidies are caused by the presence of 2 copies of paternal chromosomes. In this study, we present a digynic monoandric triploid miscarriage from a 32-year-old G7P1051 at approximately 13 weeks gestation, in which 2 copies of the maternal chromosomes are present in the fetus. This unusual phenomenon is supported by nonmolar placental histology, chromosomal microarray, and short tandem repeat assays, with the latter 2 being discussed in detail. Furthermore, this study includes discussion of recurrent miscarriage, recurrent triploidy, and long-term clinical follow-up of the patient.
Still a private matter? Evaluating the Irish State’s response to domestic abuse
Authors: Leahy Susan
Published: May 2023

The Domestic Violence Act 2018 (DVA 2018) reformed Irish law on domestic abuse, providing some welcome advancements on the preceding law in this area (eg criminalizing coercive control). However, while the Act represents an improvement on the previous legislation, there remains an orientation towards private, civil law responses to domestic abuse, rather than a promotion of proactive State-led responses which recognize domestic abuse as a public wrong. Consequently, this article argues that the so-called ‘public–private dichotomy’ traditionally associated with domestic abuse is still evident in Ireland. The article begins with an analysis of evidence of the public–private dichotomy in operation in Irish domestic abuse law and policy. Prevailing efforts to recognize domestic abuse as a public wrong are then examined via a discussion of the provisions of the DVA 2018 and an evaluation of the current response of the criminal justice system to domestic abuse. This examination highlights shortcomings in Irish legislation, policy, and practice, which result in domestic abuse still being treated primarily as a private problem. Consequently, the article concludes by suggesting law and policy reforms that would promote a more effective recognition of domestic abuse as a public wrong which requires a proactive, State-led response.
A New Chromosome-Assigned Mongolian Gerbil Genome Allows Characterization of Complete Centromeres and a Fully Heterochromatic Chromosome
Authors: Brekke Thomas D , Papadopulos Alexander S T , Julià Eva , Fornas Oscar , Fu Beiyuan , Yang Fengtang , de la Fuente Roberto , Page Jesus , Baril Tobias , Hayward Alexander , Mulley John F
Published: May 2023

Chromosome-scale genome assemblies based on ultralong-read sequencing technologies are able to illuminate previously intractable aspects of genome biology such as fine-scale centromere structure and large-scale variation in genome features such as heterochromatin, GC content, recombination rate, and gene content. We present here a new chromosome-scale genome of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), which includes the complete sequence of all centromeres. Gerbils are thus the one of the first vertebrates to have their centromeres completely sequenced. Gerbil centromeres are composed of four different repeats of length 6, 37, 127, or 1,747 bp, which occur in simple alternating arrays and span 1–6 Mb. Gerbil genomes have both an extensive set of GC-rich genes and chromosomes strikingly enriched for constitutive heterochromatin. We sought to determine if there was a link between these two phenomena and found that the two heterochromatic chromosomes of the Mongolian gerbil have distinct underpinnings: Chromosome 5 has a large block of intraarm heterochromatin as the result of a massive expansion of centromeric repeats, while chromosome 13 is comprised of extremely large (>150 kb) repeated sequences. In addition to characterizing centromeres, our results demonstrate the importance of including karyotypic features such as chromosome number and the locations of centromeres in the interpretation of genome sequence data and highlight novel patterns involved in the evolution of chromosomes.
‘Sharing is caring’: positive impacts of achievement as ‘The First Indonesian who becomes an Associate Editor of Heliyon Psychology (Elsevier—Scopus Q1)’ on mental health
Authors: Situmorang Dominikus David Biondi
Published: May 2023

In this article, the author describes the positive impacts of happiness-sharing activities, especially regarding achievement. These activities are essential in maintaining and improving mental health. In addition, the author inspires so that many people can do positive things, infect many people and create a more positive world.
Private Renegotiations and Government Interventions in Credit Chains
Authors: Glode Vincent , Opp Christian C
Published: May 2023

We propose a model of strategic renegotiation in which businesses are sequentially interconnected through their liabilities. This financing structure, which we refer to as a credit chain, gives rise to externalities, as each lender’s willingness to provide concessions to its borrower depends on how this lender’s own liabilities are expected to be renegotiated. We highlight how government interventions aimed at preventing default waves should account for private renegotiation incentives and interlinkages. In particular, we contrast the consequences of targeted subsidy and debt reduction programs following economic shocks, such as pandemics and financial crises.
Partial dissociative identity disorder and gender incongruence: a case report
Authors: Hasler Roland , Pache Jérôme , Köhl John , Soldati Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Gender incongruence (GI) is characterized by a marked and persistent incongruence between an individual’s experienced gender and assigned sex, which often leads to a desire to “transition” and a demand for medical treatments. Dissociative identity disorder and partial dissociative identity disorder (PDID) are poorly known mental disorders whose clinical presentation can be confused with GI.

Aims

To provide a case report of a patient with PDID and GI who required treatment for GI.

Methods

A case report and follow-up were described.

Results

The case report describes a person suffering from PDID and GI and asked for hormonal treatment for GI. In view of the complexity of the case, it was decided to start a follow-up to investigate the gender experience of the different personalities. After 4 months of follow-up, the symptomatology changed, and the patient waived treatment for GI and continued psychotherapeutic treatment for PDID.

Conclusion

Our case report shows the complexity of providing treatment for patient with PDID and GI.
What Drives the News Coverage of US Social Movements?
Authors: Yuan Weijun , Caren Neal , Amenta Edwin
Published: May 2023

What drives the news coverage of social movements in the professional news media? We address this question by elaborating an institutional mediation model arguing that the news values, routines, and characteristics of the news media induce them to pay attention to movements depending on their characteristics and the political contexts in which they engage. The news-making characteristics of movements include their disruptive capacities and organizational strength, and the political contexts include a partisan regime in power, benefitting from national policies, and congressional investigations. To appraise these arguments, we analyze approximately 1 million news articles mentioning 29 social movements over the twentieth century, published in four national newspapers. We use negative binomial regression analyses and separate time-series analyses of the labor movement to assess the model’s robustness across different movements, time periods, and news sources. In each analysis, the results support the hypotheses based on the institutional mediation model. More generally, we argue that the influence of social movements on institutions depends on the structure and operating procedures of those institutions. This insight has implications for future studies of the influence of movements on major social institutions.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel, Variable-Sequenced, Long-Pulsed, 532-nm and 1,064-nm Laser With Cryogen Spray Cooling for Pigmented and Vascular Lesions
Authors: Wang Jordan V. , Bajaj Shirin , Murgia Robert , Wu Sean Z. , Weiss Robert , Geronemus Roy G. , Ibrahimi Omar A. , Kilmer Suzanne
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients frequently seek treatment for vascular and pigmented lesions. More recently, a novel, variable-sequenced, long-pulsed, 532-nm and 1,064-nm laser with cryogen spray cooling was developed to offer greater flexibility in treatments.

OBJECTIVE

A prospective clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel, variable-sequenced, long-pulsed, 532-nm and 1,064-nm laser with cryogen spray cooling (DermaV, Lutronic, South Korea).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects with vascular and/or pigmented lesions were enrolled and underwent laser treatments.

RESULTS

Twenty-three subjects were enrolled with vascular lesions (39.1%), pigmented lesions (17.4%), and both (43.5%). Mean age was 53.1 years, and 91.3% were women. Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV were included. All subjects were treated with 532 nm, and 4 were also treated with 1,064 nm. According to 4 blinded physician reviewers, correct before and after photographs were selected in 94.7%, 92.1%, 84.2%, and 76.3% of cases. Overall, 86.8% were responders, meaning that at least 3 of 4 reviewers agreed. For Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, improvement occurred in 81.6%, 81.6%, 81.6%, and 76.3% of cases. No serious adverse events occurred. Overall, 87.0% of subjects reported being very satisfied or satisfied.

CONCLUSION

A novel, variable-sequenced, long-pulsed, 532-nm and 1,064-nm laser with cryogen spray cooling can safely and effectively improve vascular and pigmented lesions.
An Examination of the Joint Effect of the Social Environment and Air Pollution on Dementia Among US Older Adults
Authors: Ilango Sindana D. , Leary Cindy S. , Ritchie Emily , Semmens Erin O. , Park Christina , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Kaufman Joel D. , Hajat Anjum
Published: May 2023

Background:

Evidence suggests exposure to air pollution increases the risk of dementia. Cognitively stimulating activities and social interactions, made available through the social environment, may slow cognitive decline. We examined whether the social environment buffers the adverse effect of air pollution on dementia in a cohort of older adults.

Methods:

This study draws from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study. Participants aged 75 years and older were enrolled between 2000 and 2002 and evaluated for dementia semi-annually through 2008. Long-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was assigned from spatial and spatiotemporal models. Census tract-level measures of the social environment and individual measures of social activity were used as measures of the social environment. We generated Cox proportional hazard models with census tract as a random effect and adjusted for demographic and study visit characteristics. Relative excess risk due to interaction was estimated as a qualitative measure of additive interaction.

Results:

This study included 2,564 individuals. We observed associations between increased risk of dementia and fine particulate matter (µg/m3), coarse particulate matter (µg/m3), and nitrogen dioxide (ppb); HRs per 5 unit increase were 1.55 (1.01, 2.18), 1.31 (1.07, 1.60), and 1.18 (1.02, 1.37), respectively. We found no evidence of additive interaction between air pollution and the neighborhood social environment.

Conclusions:

We found no consistent evidence to suggest a synergistic effect between exposure to air pollution and measures of the social environment. Given the many qualities of the social environment that may reduce dementia pathology, further examination is encouraged.
Further Evidence Against Bilateral Manifestation Of Coats Disease In Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of the Macula
Authors: Storp Jens Julian , Leclaire Martin Dominik , Zimmermann Julian Alexander , Englmaier Verena Anna , Albert Felix , Eter Nicole , Al-Nawaiseh Sami
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Recent studies have questioned the traditional view, which regards Coats disease as a strictly unilateral entity. Applying optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), this prospective, monocentric study investigates quantitative capillary changes of the macula associated with Coats disease.

Methods:

24 eyes (4 untreated, 8 pre-treated) of 12 patients with stage 2 Coats disease (age range: 9 – 61 years) and 15 eyes of healthy, age-matched controls from the University of Muenster Medical Center, Germany received macular OCTA measurements of the superficial (SCP), deep (DCP) and choriocapillary (CC) capillary plexus. Flow density (FD) and parameters related to the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were compared between Coats eyes and fellow eyes, as well as between fellow eyes and control eyes. Additional subanalyses investigated changes based on disease stage.

Results:

FD did not differ between fellow eyes of Coats disease patients and control eyes in any of the parameters investigated. Comparison of Coats eyes to their respective fellow eyes revealed Coats disease to be associated with lower FD in SCP, DCP and CC regions, irrespective of disease stage (all p < 0.03). There were no noticeable differences regarding the size or symmetry of the FAZ.

Conclusion:

In light of the recent discussion around the unilateral character of Coats disease, this trial provides evidence against a bilateral presentation of vascular changes in the macula.
Comparison of 110- and 145-µm Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction Cap Thickness: A Randomized Contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Zarei-Ghanavati Siamak , Jafarzadeh Seyed Vahid , Es'haghi Acieh , Kiarudi Mohammad Yaser , Hassanzadeh Samira , Ziaei Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the visual, refractive, and biomechanical outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with two different cap thicknesses.

Methods:

Thirty-four patients were included in this prospective, randomized, contralateral eye study. Subjects were randomized to receive SMILE surgery with a 110-m cap thickness in one eye and 145-µm cap thickness in the fellow eye. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), total higherorder aberrations (THOAs) and corneal biomechanical properties were compared 3 months after surgery.

Results:

Postoperative refractive and visual outcomes, CS and THOAs were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all parameters). At 3 months postoperatively, there was a significant difference in Corvis ST Biomechanical Index (CBI); stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP A1), and Integrated Radius between the two groups (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Eyes with thicker SMILE corneal caps showed no advantage regarding visual acuity, CS and THOAs over eyes with thinner caps. However, higher cap thickness may result in better corneal biomechanical properties postoperatively.
Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus or Infliximab Therapy in Children and Young Adults With Acute Severe Colitis
Authors: Zimmerman Lori A. , Spaan Jonathan , Weinbren Nathan , Manokaran Krishanth , Ajithkumar Aravindh , Bogursky Anna , Liu Enju , Lillehei Craig , Weil Brent R. , Zalieckas Jill M. , Bousvaros Athos , Rufo Paul A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

One-third of children and young adults admitted for management of acute severe colitis (ASC) fail intravenous corticosteroids. Infliximab (IFX) or tacrolimus (TAC) is often used to prevent urgent colectomy in these patients. However, no prior studies have reviewed the outcome of pediatric patients with ASC who were treated with either IFX or TAC.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 170 pediatric patients with ASC admitted to our institution who did not respond to intravenous corticosteroids and were subsequently treated with either IFX or TAC. We compared 6-month colectomy rates, time to colectomy, improvement in disease activity indices, and adverse effects.

Results:

The mean age of patients in the IFX (n = 84) and TAC (n = 86) groups were 14 and 13.8 years, respectively. The median study follow-up time was 23 months. The rate of colectomy 6 months from rescue therapy was similar whether patients received IFX or TAC (22.6% vs 26.7%, respectively, P = 0.53). The mean decline in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores from admission to discharge in those treated with IFX (31.9) or TAC (29.8) was similar (P = 0.63). Three patients treated with IFX experienced infusion reactions. Six patients treated with TAC experienced changes in renal function or electrolytes, and 4 patients reported neurologic symptoms.

Conclusions:

There were no significant differences in the likelihood of colectomy 6 months after initiating IFX or TAC rescue therapy. Efficacy of both agents was comparable. The types of adverse effects differed by therapy. These data support the use of either TAC or IFX in children with ASC refractory to intravenous corticosteroids.
Characterization of Colonoscopies in Preschool Children
Authors: Bolia Rishi , Thapar Nikhil , Withers Geoffrey D. , Ee Looi C.
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

The indications, diagnostic yield, complications, and cecal and ileal intubation rates (CIR and IIR) for colonoscopies in children aged <6 years, denoted preschoolers, is unclear since there is limited information for this group. We aimed to describe the above parameters in our cohort of preschoolers undergoing a colonoscopy.

Methods:

Retrospective review of all colonoscopies in a tertiary pediatric hospital between December 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020 was undertaken. Demographic factors, indication for colonoscopy, extent of colonoscopy, CIR, IIR, and histologic findings were noted. Preschoolers were further subdivided into those aged <2 years, and those aged 2 to <6 years.

Results:

One thousand six hundred seventy-one total colonoscopies were performed, of which 13% (n = 219) were in preschoolers with median age 3.9 (range 0.3–5.9) years. Most common indications in preschoolers were rectal bleeding 35% (n = 78), inflammatory bowel disease 24% (n = 53), diarrhea 13% (n = 30), iron-deficiency anemia 11% (n = 25), and abdominal pain 7% (n = 16). IIR and CIR were lower in preschoolers compared to older children, 81% vs 92% (P = 0.0001), and 93% vs 96.4% (P = 0.02), respectively, and even lower in those aged <2 years, 48.1% IIR (P = 0.0001) and 85.1% CIR. Juvenile polyps, 31% (n = 27), were the most common positive finding in preschool children.

Conclusion:

Rectal bleeding was the most common indication and juvenile polyps the most common finding at colonoscopy in preschoolers. A high IIR is achievable in young children but rates are increasingly lower the younger the child.