bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
World Workshop on Oral Medicine VII: Oral adverse effects to biologic agents in patients with inflammatory disorders. A scoping review
Authors: France Katherine , Yogarajah Sangeetha , Gueiros Luiz Alcino , Valdez Remberto , Mays Jacqueline W. , Posey Rachael , Payne Aimee S. , Setterfield Jane , Sollecito Thomas P. , Woo Sook‐Bin , DeRossi Scott , Greenberg Martin S. , Carey Barbara
Published: December 2022

Background

Biologic agents are rapidly emerging as an effective therapy to treat autoimmune and other chronic diseases. The use of these agents is poorly characterized, resulting in a lack of guidance for dental practitioners. Case reports of oral adverse events have begun to emerge. However, their scope and frequency have not been summarized and analysed to date. The objective of this review was to characterize the literature on oral adverse effects associated with biological therapy when used for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Methods

This review was developed in accordance with scoping review recommendations. Search strategies were developed and employed for six databases. Studies were selected using a systematic search process but with broad inclusion of study types given the paucity of information available. Reports of oral adverse events were analysed descriptively according to agent, mechanism of action, underlying disease, and oral adverse effect observed.

Results

Our search returned 2080 articles and 51 met our inclusion criteria, of which most were case reports. The most frequent adverse effects included angioedema, oral lichenoid lesions, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and oral infections. There were also cases of oral malignancies associated with use of biologic agents. Less common effects such as pigmentation were also described.

Conclusions

Oral adverse events have been reported in patients on biologic therapy, albeit in small numbers to date. This limits the generalizability of these results, which should not be used to generate a clinical guideline as they are based primarily on case reports. However, this study presents the first review characterizing the adverse effects observed. Large multi‐center studies will be necessary to further define the oral and dental complications caused by biologic agents.
Developing a different voice: The life and work of Carol Gilligan
Authors: Josselson Ruthellen
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the psychobiographical origins of Carol Gilligan's sensitivity to the importance of voice in human psychology, an awareness that, through her foundational written work, transformed the field.

Method

Narrative inquiry and analysis.

Results

Carol Gilligan's awareness of voice began at a young age with a self‐defining memory in which she learned to hold on to her own voice and experience. She never set out to be a social change agent, but she became one. Other scholars relied on her work, particularly the lyrical trope of “in a different voice” to change social (and psychological) attitudes toward women in many ways. This psychobiographical analysis traces Carol's personal struggles to sustain her own voice and knowledge, and these struggles met a culture that became able to hear something about how the patriarchal culture suppresses relational sensibilities. Rooted in a close and intense relationship with her mother, who expressed and imposed on her a duality between the voice of personal experience and the voice of meeting social expectations. Carol's understanding of the differing levels of what it means “to know” grounded a new conception of girls' development as well as of moral development.

Conclusion

Carol Gilligan became an agent of social change because her inner world and life path coincided with sociocultural readiness to embrace her work as giving voice to an emerging awareness of the suppression and denigration of women's sensibilities in psychology as well as in the larger culture. Her lifelong conflicts about speaking her own truth versus conforming to a society in which she was well able to be successful attuned her to the ways in which others, particularly women, similarly discounted their own experience.
Young adults' taste perception, consumption habits, and how this influences their willingness to pay for wine: Evidence from an experimental auction
Authors: Jorge Eloi
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of the present study is to investigate whether consumers' taste perception and wine consumption habits lead to different buying behaviors regarding consumers' willingness to pay for a bottle of wine. For this purpose, this research employs an empirical evaluation using an experimental auction, along with the self‐administration of a questionnaire, involving a sample of young adult students (n = 80) from a Spanish public university. In the experiment, we test four wines of the same region with different characteristics. A standard confirmatory partial least square–structural equation modeling was used for measurement and validation. The findings show that although consumers' buying behavior could be driven by either intrinsic (i.e., sensory perceptions) or visual (i.e., certifications) cues, consumers' taste perception or wine consumption habits lead them to react differently to these cues. By considering possible on‐trade and off‐trade scenarios in the same study, this study takes a fresh and more comprehensive look at young adults' willingness to pay for a bottle of wine. Overall, the study attests to the importance of a previous sensory experience for these consumers, identified as having a low degree of involvement with wine, and concludes that some extrinsic cues can be overestimated concerning taste expectations. The evidence obtained by using quantitative methods found a reliable insight that practitioners and administrators can implement to develop and adopt effective policy interventions.

Practical Applications

Consumers' willingness to pay for wine is based on sensorial aspects or having information to support the decision. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate whether consumers' taste perception and wine consumption habits lead to different buying behaviors regarding consumers' willingness to pay for a bottle of wine.
Spiritual exercises and poetry: Pierre Hadot and Du Fu
Authors: Harte Ryan
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses poetry as a site of what Pierre Hadot calls “spiritual exercises,” with particular reference to China's greatest poet, Du Fu (712–70 C.E.). While Hadot's work has bridged gaps between (i) philosophy and religion and (ii) theory and practice, this paper suggests that spiritual exercises can also blur the modern separation between form and content. It argues for the possibility of poetry as philosophy; that is, philosophy in a less‐recognized form. If poetry can be spiritual exercise and if spiritual exercise with its goal of self‐transformation is the core of philosophy, then we may be able to treat poetry as one form of philosophy. The paper also demonstrates the relevance of Hadot's work for ancient Chinese and comparative philosophy more broadly.
Artificial intelligence facilitates measuring reflux episodes and postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index from impedance‐pH studies in patients with reflux disease
Authors: Wong Ming‐Wun , Liu Min‐Xiang , Lei Wei‐Yi , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Liang Shu‐Wei , Lin Lin , Tseng Chiu‐Wang , Wang Jen‐Hung , Wu Ping‐An , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: December 2022

Background/Aim

Reflux episodes and postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index are useful impedance parameters that can augment the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, manual analysis of pH‐impedance tracings is time consuming, resulting in limited use of these novel impedance metrics. This study aims to evaluate whether a supervised learning artificial intelligence (AI) model is useful to identify reflux episodes and PSPW index.

Methods

Consecutive patients underwent 24‐h impedance‐pH monitoring were enrolled for analysis. Multiple AI and machine learning with a deep residual net model for image recognition were explored based on manual interpretation of reflux episodes and PSPW according to criteria from the Wingate Consensus. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to measure the strength of inter‐rater agreement of data between manual and AI interpretations.

Results

We analyzed 106 eligible patients with 7939 impedance events, of whom 38 patients with pathological acid exposure time (AET) and 68 patients with physiological AET. On the manual interpretation, patients with pathological AET had more reflux episodes and lower PSPW index than those with physiological AET. Overall accuracy of AI identification for reflux episodes and PSPW achieved 87% and 82%, respectively. Inter‐rater agreements between AI and manual interpretations achieved excellent for individual numbers of reflux episodes and PSPW index (ICC = 0.965 and ICC = 0.921).

Conclusions

AI has the potential to accurately and efficiently measure impedance metrics including reflux episodes and PSPW index. AI can be a reliable adjunct for measuring novel impedance metrics for GERD in the near future.
Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of self‐tolerance checkpoints: The CD28 family
Authors: Rush‐Kittle Jorrell , Gámez‐Díaz Laura , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: December 2022

One of the causes of inborn errors of immunity is immune dysregulation. The inability of the immune system to regulate the extent of its activity has several deleterious effects, including autoimmunity, recurrent infections, and malignancy. In recent years, many proteins in the CD28 family – CD28, ICOS, CTLA‐4, PD‐1, and BTLA – have come into the focus of several research areas for their consequential role in the upregulation or downregulation of the immune response. In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of these proteins, as well as provide an overview of the clinical picture of patients with genetic defects.
Environment‐sensitive genic male sterility in rice and other plants
Authors: Peng Guoqing , Liu Zhenlan , Zhuang Chuxiong , Zhou Hai
Published: December 2022

Environment‐sensitive genic male sterility is a type of male sterility that is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Environment‐sensitive genic male sterile lines are not only used in two‐line hybrid breeding but are also good materials for studying plant−environment interactions. In this study we review the research progress on environment‐sensitive genic male sterility in rice from the perspectives of epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, posttranslational and metabolic mechanisms as well as signal transduction processes. While significant progress has been made in the genetics, gene cloning and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of environment‐sensitive genic male sterility in recent years, the relevant regulatory network is still poorly understood in rice. We therefore also review studies of environment‐sensitive genic male sterility in Arabidopsis and other crops, hoping to promote research in this field in rice. Finally, we analyse the challenges posed by environment‐sensitive genic male sterility and provide corresponding suggestions. This review will contribute towards an understanding the molecular genetics of environment‐sensitive genic male sterility and its application in two‐line hybrid breeding in rice and other species.
A Jurassic volcanic passive margin in Iran and Turkey
Authors: Azizi Hossein , Stern Robert J. , Kandemir Raif , Karsli Orhan
Published: December 2022

Broadly similar Early to Middle Jurassic stratigraphic sequences including bimodal igneous rocks of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone of Iran and the Sakarya Zone of Turkey suggest that these formed in a common tectonic setting in an extensional basin that evolved from a terrestrial magmatic rift to a marine shelf and passive continental margin. Whole‐rock chemistry and Sr–Nd isotope signatures indicate derivation of mafic melts from partial melting of the subcontinental lithosphere. Decompression associated with extension led to 5%–30% partial melting of spinel–garnet lherzolite with minor involvement of continental crust, producing tholeiitic to transitional basaltic magma. Extensional basins inverted during the Mid‐Late Jurassic. These relationships suggest the Early to Middle Jurassic formation of a volcanic rifted margin on the SW Eurasian margin, similar to that of offshore Norway.
A protocol for rapid generation cycling (speed breeding) of hemp (Cannabis sativa) for research and agriculture
Authors: Schilling Susanne , Melzer Rainer , Dowling Caroline A. , Shi Jiaqi , Muldoon Shaun , McCabe Paul F.
Published: December 2022

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a highly versatile crop with a multitude of applications, from textiles, biofuel and building material to high‐value food products for consumer markets. Furthermore, non‐hallucinogenic cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), which can be extracted from female hemp flowers, are potentially valuable pharmacological compounds. In addition, hemp has high carbon sequestration potential associated with its rapid growth rate. Therefore, the hemp industry is gaining more traction and breeding hemp cultivars adapted to local climate conditions or bred for specific applications is becoming increasingly important. Here, we present a method for the rapid generation cycling (speed breeding) of hemp. The speed breeding protocol makes use of the photoperiod sensitivity of Cannabis. It encompasses vegetative growth of the plants for 2 weeks under continuous light, followed by 4 weeks under short‐day conditions, during which flower induction, pollination and seed development proceed, and finally a seed ripening phase under continuous light and water stress. With the protocol described here, a generation time of under 9 weeks (61 days) from seed to seed can be achieved. Furthermore, our method synchronises the flowering time of different hemp cultivars, thus facilitating crosses between cultivars. The extremely short generation time will enable hemp researchers and breeders to perform crosses in a time‐efficient way and generate new hemp cultivars with defined genetic characteristics over a short period of time.
Influence of cohousing communities on social determinants of health in later life: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bigonnesse Catherine , Weeks Lori , Puplampu Vivian , Paris Mario , Dupuis-Blanchard Suzanne , McInnis-Perry Gloria J. , Haché-Chiasson Allison
Published: December 2022

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to chart the extent and type of literature available worldwide on the effects of cohousing communities on older adults’ social determinants of health, to identify and categorize key evidence on this topic, and to highlight gaps to guide further research.

Introduction:

The rapid aging population in many industrialized countries has precipitated the development of housing alternatives, such as cohousing communities, to better address older adults’ housing and social needs. There is mounting evidence that living in a cohousing community has many positive outcomes for this population; however, the scope and size of this body of research are unknown.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will assess studies conducted in all countries and territories focusing on people aged 60 and older living in cohousing communities. It will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies published from 1960 to 2022.

Methods:

The databases to be searched are APA PsycArticles (EBSCO), Cairn.info, Campbell Collaboration, CINAHL (EBSCO), Érudit, Google Scholar, JBI, PubMed, SAGE Journals Online, Scopus, Science Direct (Elsevier), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (ProQuest). Two independent reviewers will review the titles and abstracts of potential studies against the inclusion criteria for the review followed by an assessment of the full text of selected citations. Data will then be extracted using a data extraction tool developed by the reviewers. The findings will be presented graphically and include tables with a narrative summary organized by relevant geographic areas.
Morphologic clustering of earcanals using deep learning algorithm to design artificial ears dedicated to earplug attenuation measurement
Authors: Poissenot-Arrigoni Bastien , Law Chun Hong , Berbiche Djamal , Sgard Franck , Doutres Olivier
Published: December 2022

Designing earplugs adapted for the widest number of earcanals requires acoustical test fixtures (ATFs) geometrically representative of the population. Most existing ATFs are equipped with unique sized straight cylindrical earcanals, considered representative of average human morphology, and are therefore unable to assess how earplugs can fit different earcanal morphologies. In this study, a methodology to cluster earcanals as a function of their morphologies with the objective of designing artificial ears dedicated to sound attenuation measurement is developed and applied to a sample of Canadian workers’ earcanals. The earcanal morphologic indicators that correlate with the attenuations of six models of commercial earplugs are first identified. Three clusters of earcanals are then produced using statistical analysis and an artificial intelligence-based algorithm. In the sample of earcanals considered in this study, the identified clusters differ by the earcanal length and by the surface and ovality of the first bend cross section. The cluster that comprises earcanals with small girth and round first bend cross section shows that earplugs induced attenuation significantly higher than the cluster that includes earcanals with a bigger and more oval first bend cross section.
The Longitudinal Mediating Influence of Maturation on the Relationship Between Strength and Performance in Male Youth Swimmers
Authors: Abbott Shaun , En Leong Wei , Gwinn Tom , Postiglione Giovanni Luca , Salter James , Cobley Stephen
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To examine the longitudinal relationships between shoulder internal and external rotation (IR and ER) strength, maturity status, and swim performance (aim 1). To determine whether maturity status mediated (partially/fully) the relationship between shoulder IR/ER strength and performance in age-group swimmers (aim 2). Methods: Using a repeated-measures design, anthropometrics, maturity status, shoulder IR/ER strength, and 200-m front-crawl velocity were assessed over 3 competition seasons in N = 82 Australian male competitive swimmers (10–15 y). For aim 1, linear mixed models examined longitudinal relationships between assessed variables. For aim 2, causal mediation analyses examined proportional (in)direct contributions of maturity status between shoulder IR strength and swim performance. Results: For aim 1, linear mixed models identified a significant relationship between shoulder IR strength and swim performance over time (F1,341.25 = 16.66, P < .001, marginal R2 = .13, conditional R2 = .91). However, maturity status was influential (ΔAkaike information criterion = −75.8, χ2 = 19.98, P < .001), suggesting removal of the shoulder IR strength–swim velocity relationship (F1,214.1 = 0.02, P = .88). For aim 2, mediation analyses identified maturity status as fully mediating the shoulder IR strength–swim velocity relationship (92.30%, P < .001). Conclusions: Shoulder IR and ER strength did not account for variance in longitudinal age-group swim performance independent of maturity status. Interindividual differences in maturity status fully explained the relationship between shoulder IR/ER strength and swim performance. For practitioners, findings promote the need to account for maturation status and question the rationale for upper-limb strength assessment during maturational years.
Long noncoding RNA Gm2694 drives depressive-like behaviors in male mice by interacting with GRP78 to disrupt endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis
Authors: Chen Hong-Sheng , Wang Ji , Li Hou-Hong , Wang Xiao , Zhang Shao-Qi , Deng Tan , Li Yu-Ke , Zou Ruo-Si , Wang Hua-Jie , Zhu Rui , Xie Wen-Long , Zhao Gang , Wang Fang , Chen Jian-Guo
Published: December 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various biological processes and implicated in the regulation of neuronal activity, but the potential role of lncRNAs in depression remains largely unknown. Here, we identified that lncRNA Gm2694 was increased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). The down-regulation of Gm2694 in the mPFC alleviated CSDS-induced depressive-like behaviors through enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we found that Gm2694 preferentially interacted with the carboxyl-terminal domain of 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), which abrogated GRP78 function and disrupted endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, resulting in a reduction of the surface expression of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). Overexpression of GRP78 in the mPFC promoted the surface expression of AMPARs and attenuated the CSDS-induced depressive-like behaviors of mice. Together, our results unraveled a previously unknown role of Gm2694 in regulating endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and excitatory synaptic transmission in depression.
Deep brain stimulation of the subgenual cingulum and uncinate fasciculus for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hamani Clement , Davidson Benjamin , Corchs Felipe , Abrahao Agessandro , Nestor Sean M. , Rabin Jennifer S. , Nyman Alexander J. , Phung Liane , Goubran Maged , Levitt Anthony , Talakoub Omid , Giacobbe Peter , Lipsman Nir
Published: December 2022

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been investigated for neuropsychiatric disorders. In this phase 1 trial, we treated four posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients with DBS delivered to the subgenual cingulum and the uncinate fasciculus. In addition to validated clinical scales, patients underwent neuroimaging studies and psychophysiological assessments of fear conditioning, extinction, and recall. We show that the procedure is safe and potentially effective (56% reduction in Clinical Administered PTSD Scale scores). Posttreatment imaging data revealed metabolic activity changes in PTSD neurocircuits. During psychophysiological assessments, patients with PTSD had higher skin conductance responses when tested for recall compared to healthy controls. After DBS, this objectively measured variable was significantly reduced. Last, we found that a ratio between recall of extinguished and nonextinguished conditioned responses had a strong correlation with clinical outcome. As this variable was recorded at baseline, it may comprise a potential biomarker of treatment response.
Long-lived states of methylene protons in achiral molecules
Authors: Sonnefeld Anna , Razanahoera Aiky , Pelupessy Philippe , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Sheberstov Kirill
Published: December 2022

In nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the lifetimes of long-lived states (LLSs) are exquisitely sensitive to their environment. However, the number of molecules where such states can be excited has hitherto been rather limited. Here, it is shown that LLSs can be readily excited in many common molecules that contain two or more neighboring CH
2
groups. Accessing such LLSs does not require any isotopic enrichment, nor does it require any stereogenic centers to lift the chemical equivalence of CH
2
protons. LLSs were excited in a variety of metabolites, neurotransmitters, vitamins, amino acids, and other molecules. One can excite LLSs in several different molecules simultaneously. In combination with magnetic resonance imaging, LLSs can reveal a contrast upon noncovalent binding of ligands to macromolecules. This suggests new perspectives to achieve high-throughput parallel drug screening by NMR.
IL-2 is inactivated by the acidic pH environment of tumors enabling engineering of a pH-selective mutein
Authors: Gaggero Silvia , Martinez-Fabregas Jonathan , Cozzani Adeline , Fyfe Paul K. , Leprohon Malo , Yang Jie , Thomasen F. Emil , Winkelmann Hauke , Magnez Romain , Conti Alberto G. , Wilmes Stephan , Pohler Elizabeth , van Gijsel Bonnello Manuel , Thuru Xavier , Quesnel Bruno , Soncin Fabrice , Piehler Jacob , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Moraga Ignacio , Mitra Suman
Published: December 2022

Cytokines interact with their receptors in the extracellular space to control immune responses. How the physicochemical properties of the extracellular space influence cytokine signaling is incompletely elucidated. Here, we show that the activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine critical to T cell immunity, is profoundly affected by pH, limiting IL-2 signaling within the acidic environment of tumors. Generation of lactic acid by tumors limits STAT5 activation, effector differentiation, and antitumor immunity by CD8
+
T cells and renders high-dose IL-2 therapy poorly effective. Directed evolution enabled selection of a pH-selective IL-2 mutein (Switch-2). Switch-2 binds the IL-2 receptor subunit IL-2Rα with higher affinity, triggers STAT5 activation, and drives CD8
+
T cell effector function more potently at acidic pH than at neutral pH. Consequently, high-dose Switch-2 therapy induces potent immune activation and tumor rejection with reduced on-target toxicity in normal tissues. Last, we show that sensitivity to pH is a generalizable property of a diverse range of cytokines with broad relevance to immunity and immunotherapy in healthy and diseased tissues.
Metabolomics Highlights Different Life History Strategies of White and Brown Rot Wood-Degrading Fungi
Authors: Castaño J. D. , Muñoz-Muñoz N. , Kim Y. M. , Liu J. , Yang L. , Schilling J. S.
Published: December 2022

Despite the ecological and economic importance of wood-degrading fungi, little is known about the array of metabolites that fungi produce during wood decomposition. This study provides an in-depth insight into the wood decomposition process by analyzing and comparing the changes of >100 compounds produced by fungi with metabolic distinct nutritional modes (white and brown rot fungi) at different decay stages.
Sponge-rich sediment recycling in a Paleozoic continental arc driven by mélange melting
Authors: Liu Huichuan , Nielsen Sune G. , Zhu Guangyou
Published: December 2022

Slab material transfer processes in continental arcs can be challenging to decipher because magmas are often characterized by significant contributions from continental material. In this study, we identified a Prototethyan continental arc (419–418 Ma) that is now located in the Dazhonghe area of the southeast Tibetan Plateau, which, based on Sr-Nd-Hf-O-Si isotope relationships, implies no detectable continental material contributions. The Dazhonghe arc rocks display much lower δ30Si values than modern arc rocks and average mantle; this is best explained by subduction of sponge-rich marine sediments, which are thought to have been the dominant marine organisms during the Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic. Our mixing calculations reveal that only bulk mixing among sponge-rich sediments, altered oceanic crust (AOC), and the depleted mantle would be capable of accounting for all the Sr-Nd-Hf-O-Si isotope compositions. This finding implies that the Dazhonghe arc magmas were generated by melting of a mélange that formed at the slab-mantle interface. The Dazhonghe continental arc is the first for which mélange melting has been confirmed.
Omental venous malformation: a rare cause of spontaneous haemoperitoneum
Authors: Tan Ming Ngan Aloysius , Ang Wei Wen , Bundele Manish M , Ong Chern Yue Glen
Published: December 2022

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum is a rare condition with a variety of aetiologies. Regardless of the cause, it is invariably a life-threatening condition that requires urgent diagnosis and management. The most common causes of spontaneous haemoperitoneum include gynaecological, hepatic, splenic and vascular causes. However, here, we present a rare case of spontaneous haemoperitoneum secondary to idiopathic omental venous malformation.

Our patient presented with acute onset of right iliac fossa pain, and a CT scan revealed a massive haemoperitoneum. A laparoscopic converted to open laparotomy was performed to diagnose and treat the patient. We discuss the management approach for such patients with spontaneous haemoperitoneum.
Long-lasting insecticidal nets provide protection against malaria for only a single year in Burundi, an African highland setting with marked malaria seasonality
Authors: Van Bortel Wim , Mariën Joachim , Jacobs Bart K M , Sinzinkayo Denis , Sinarinzi Pierre , Lampaert Emmanuel , D’hondt Rob , Mafuko Jean-Marie , De Weggheleire Anja , Vogt Florian , Alexander Neil , Wint William , Maes Peter , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Leclair Corey
Published: December 2022

Background

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are one of the key interventions in the global fight against malaria. Since 2014, mass distribution campaigns of LLINs aim for universal access by all citizens of Burundi. In this context, we assess the impact of LLINs mass distribution campaigns on malaria incidence, focusing on the endemic highland health districts. We also explored the possible correlation between observed trends in malaria incidence with any variations in climate conditions.

Methods

Malaria cases for 2011—2019 were obtained from the National Health Information System. We developed a generalised additive model based on a time series of routinely collected data with malaria incidence as the response variable and timing of LLIN distribution as an explanatory variable to investigate the duration and magnitude of the LLIN effect on malaria incidence. We added a seasonal and continuous-time component as further explanatory variables, and health district as a random effect to account for random natural variation in malaria cases between districts.

Results

Malaria transmission in Burundian highlands was clearly seasonal and increased non-linearly over the study period. Further, a fast and steep decline of malaria incidence was noted during the first year after mass LLIN distribution (p<0.0001). In years 2 and 3 after distribution, malaria cases started to rise again to levels higher than before the control intervention.

Conclusion

This study highlights that LLINs did reduce the incidence in the first year after a mass distribution campaign, but in the context of Burundi, LLINs lost their impact after only 1 year.
Estimating Chinese bilateral aid for health: an analysis of AidData’s Global Chinese Official Finance Dataset Version 2.0
Authors: McDade Kaci Kennedy , Kleidermacher Paige , Yamey Gavin , Mao Wenhui
Published: December 2022

Background

Although it is difficult to quantify, previous estimates suggested that China’s global health aid has increased sharply since the early 2000s. Unlike many donors, China has no official aid reporting obligations, nor does it voluntarily disclose detailed aid information. Our study aimed to create a standardised estimate using commonly accepted definitions of aid and frameworks for categorising health projects.

Methods

We categorised AidData’s Chinese Official Finance Dataset health-related projects according to health aid frameworks from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Only projects that complied with the definition of official development assistance were included. We analysed the project count and financial value to assess China’s priority health aid areas.

Findings

Between 2000 and 2017, China funded 1339 health-related aid projects, or 13% of its total aid project portfolio. Most of these projects were located in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the OECD framework, the priority focus areas of these projects were: medical services, such as specialty equipment and tertiary services (n=489, 37%); basic health care, such as basic medical services and drugs (n=251, 19%); malaria control (n=234, 18%) and basic health infrastructure (n=178, 13%). Under the IHME framework, health systems strengthening accounted for 74% (n=991) of total projects, primarily due to China’s contributions to human resources for health, infrastructure and equipment. The only other major allocation under the IHME framework was malaria (n=234, 18%). When we estimated missing financial values under the OECD framework, China was the fifth largest health aid donor to African countries from 2002 to 2017, after the USA, the UK, Canada and Germany.

Conclusion

Our findings enable a better understanding of Chinese health aid in the absence of transparent aid reporting, which could contribute to better coordination, collaboration and resource allocation for both donor and recipient countries.
Three-year trends in literature on artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and vision sciences: a protocol for bibliometric analysis
Authors: Monson Hayley , Demaine Jeff , Banfield Laura , Felfeli Tina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study is to provide an insight into the literature at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ophthalmology.

Methods and analysis

The project will be performed in four key stages: formulation of search terms, literature collection, literature screening and literature analysis. A comprehensive search of databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions and Cochrane will be conducted. The Distiller SR software will be used for manual screening all relevant articles. The selected articles will be analysed via R Bibliometrix, a program for mathematical analysis of large sets of literature, and VOSviewer, which creates visual representations of connections between articles.

Ethics and dissemination

This study did not require research ethics approval given the use of publicly available data and lack of human subjects. The results will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Homonymous hemianopia in childhood: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Handley Sian , Bowman Richard , Liasis Alki , Rahi Jugnoo Sangeeta
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in childhood in western countries. This encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders and a spectrum of types of visual impairments. Research is required to explore specific subtypes of CVI and the specific needs of these groups to provide more individualised patient care. One type of CVI is homonymous hemianopia (HH), the absence of vision on one side due to an insult to the postchiasmal visual pathways in one hemisphere of the brain. The scoping review aims to map the nature, features and volume of the existing literature around HH in infancy, childhood and young adolescence.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a scoping review of the literature relating to HH in children (0–18 years old). The review will follow the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews checklist to ensure reporting integrity. We will conduct electronic database searches including CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsycINFO. We will also carry out a ‘grey literature’ and internet search for studies or materials not formally published. Two researchers will independently review abstracts yielded from the search strategy for study inclusion.

Dissemination

This review will inform health professionals and other stakeholders working within this growing population of children with CVI. Our review will summarise the literature relating to this specific subgroup of CVI, and will identify gaps that require further research and development towards specific care of children with this form of CVI.
Role of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in metabolically healthy obesity: a narrative review
Authors: Murlasits Zsolt , Kupai Krisztina , Kneffel Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2022

Obesity has been associated with a multitude of metabolic disorders, often clustering with risk factors of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia. Overall, obesity is a worldwide, growing health concern. However, a subgroup of obese individuals with a low burden of metabolic abnormalities have been identified and described as metabolically healthy obese (MHO). Whether the MHO phenotype is protective against obesity-related metabolic disorders in the long-term is presently unclear, and current research examining the potential transition has yielded inconsistent results. In this current narrative review, we aim to provide insights on the role of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in MHO. Lifestyle factors such as PA and CRF may influence the MHO phenotype. Limited studies have characterised energy expenditure and CRF in MHO and metabolically unhealthy obese. However, higher levels of PA, less sedentary behaviour and higher CRF have been observed in MHO individuals. Considering the multiple benefits of PA, it is high time to advocate this lifestyle change beyond its influence on energy balance in a weight loss programme to improve cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors irrespective of body weight and fat mass changes. Improved CRF via increased PA, especially exercise participation, while avoiding weight gain is not only a realistic goal, but should be the primary intervention for MHO populations to prevent the transition to an abnormal metabolic state.
Influence of the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: results of the ARTESER register
Authors: De Miguel Eugenio , Sanchez-Costa Jesús T , Estrada Paula , Muñoz Alejandro , Valero Martínez Cristina , Moya Alvarado Patricia , García-Villanueva María Jesús , Navarro Angeles Vanessa A , Lencastre Da Veiga Carlos Galisteo , Frutos Anne Riveros , Román Ivorra Jose A , Arrabal Selena Labrada , Rocha Margarida Vasques , Iñiguez Carlota L , García-Gonzalez María , Molina-Almela Clara , Villar María Alcalde , Mas Antonio Juan , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A , Blanco Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Objective

The main study objective was to determine how giant cell arteritis (GCA) is diagnosed in our clinical practice and whether the EULAR recommendations have influenced the diagnostic procedures used.

Methods

ARTEritis of the Rheumatology Spanish Society -Sociedad Española de Reumatología (ARTESER) is a multicentre observational retrospective study conducted in 26 hospitals with support from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. All patients diagnosed with GCA between 1 June 2013 and 29 March 2019 were included. The gold standard for the diagnosis of GCA was the judgement of the physician in charge, according to clinical criteria, supported by data available from laboratory tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI/CT angiography) and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) when available.

Results

We included 1675 patients with GCA (mean age±SD (76.9±8.1) years, 1178 women (70.3%)). Of these, 776 patients had a positive TAB (46.3%), 503 (30.0%) positive ultrasound, 245 positive PET (14.6%) and 64 positive MRI/CT angiography (3.8%). These percentages changed substantially over the study. From 2013 to 2019, the use of ultrasound in diagnosis grew from 25.8% to 52.9% and PET from 12.3% to 19.6%, while use of TAB decreased from 50.3% to 33.3%.

Conclusions

Biopsy was the most widely used diagnostic test for confirming GCA, but use of imaging as a diagnostic tool has grown in recent years. Following publication of the 2018 EULAR recommendations, ultrasound has displaced biopsy as the first-line diagnostic test; TAB was performed in a third and PET in a fifth of cases.
A combination of omega-3 and exercise reduces experimental Achilles tendinopathy induced with a type-1 collagenase in rats
Authors: Gundogdu Gulsah , Tasci Seymanur Yilmaz , Gundogdu Koksal , Kapakin Kubra Asena Terim , Demirkaya Alper Kursat , Nalci Kemal Alp , Gundogdu Mustafa , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet , Abd El-Aty A.M.
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation with exercise in a collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy (AT) rat model. Experimental groups (healthy control (HC), AT, exercise (Ex), omega-3 (W), and Ex+W) were randomly allocated. After a week of adaptation, oral omega-3 was initiated for 8 weeks (5 days/week). The exercise groups performed treadmill running for 30 min/day (5 days/week, 20 m/min, 8 weeks) following one week of adaptation (10 m/min, 15 min/day). Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and total antioxidant–oxidant status (TAS) levels were determined in serum samples. Tendon samples were obtained for biomechanical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments. Ultimate tensile force, yield force, stiffness values, collagen type-I alpha 1 expression, and serum TAS significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) in AT vs. HC. These values and expression significantly increased in the Ex+W group vs. AT. Serum MMP-13, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. The most significant decrease was found in the Ex+W group ( P < 0.01). Histopathologically, the improvement in degeneration was statistically significant in the Ex+W group ( P < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, MMP-13, IL-1β, TNF-α, and nitric oxide synthase-2 expression was decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. In conclusion, omega-3 and exercise might be recommended in AT patients.
Population genetic structure of Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei) on the central and western North Pacific feeding grounds
Authors: Taguchi Mioko , Goto Mutsuo , Matsuoka Koji , Tiedemann Ralph , Pastene Luis A.
Published: December 2022

The genetic structure of Bryde’s whale ( Balaenoptera brydei) on the central and western North Pacific feeding grounds was investigated using a total of 1195 mitochondrial control region sequences and 1182 microsatellite genotypes at 17 loci in specimens collected from three longitudinal areas, 1W (135°E–165°E), 1E (165°E–180°), and 2 (180°–155°W). Genetic diversities were similar among areas and a haplotype network did not show any geographic structure, while an analysis of molecular variance found evidence of genetic structure in this species. Pairwise FST and [Formula: see text] estimates and heterogeneity tests attributed this structure to weak but significant differentiation between areas 1W/1E and 2. A Mantel test and a high-resolution analysis of genetic diversity statistics showed a weak spatial cline of genetic differentiation. These findings could be reconciled by two possible stock structure scenarios: (1) a single population with kin-association affecting feeding ground preference and (2) two populations with feeding ground preference for either area 1W or area 2. An estimated dispersal rate between areas 1W and 2 indicates that both scenarios should be considered as a precautionary principle in stock assessments.
Influence of permeability enhancers on the paracellular permeability of metformin hydrochloride and furosemide across Caco-2 cells
Authors: Gulsun Tugba , Izat Nihan , Sahin Selma
Published: December 2022

Permeability enhancers can affect absorption of paracellularly transported drugs. This study aims to evaluate effects of permeability enhancers (chitosan, methyl- β -cyclodextrin, sodium caprate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.) on the permeability of paracellularly absorbed furosemide and metformin hydrochloride. Methyl thiazole tetrazolium bromide test was carried out to determine the drug concentrations in permeability study. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values determined to assess the integrity of tight junctions. Permeability enhancers were applied at different concentrations alone, in dual/triple combinations. Permeability was determined using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells (TEER > 400 Ω·cm2). Permeability enhancers have no significant effect (<2-fold; p > 0.05) on the permeability of furosemide (1.80 × 10−5 ± 4.55 × 10−7 cm/s); however, metformin permeability (1.36 × 10−5 ± 1.25 × 10−6 cm/s) increased significantly ( p < 0.05) with 0.3% and 0.5% ( w/v) chitosan (2.0- and 2.7-fold, respectively), 1% methyl- β -cyclodextrin ( w/v) (3.5-fold), 10 and 20 µmol/L sodium caprate (2.2- and 2.8-fold, respectively), and 0.012% sodium lauryl sulfate ( w/v) (1.9-fold). Furosemide permeability increased significantly ( p < 0.05) with chitosan-sodium lauryl sulfate combination (1.7-fold), and all triple combinations (1.4- to 1.9-fold). Chitosan containing dual/triple combinations resulted in significant increase ( p < 0.05) in metformin permeability (1.7 to 2.8-fold). All results indicated that absorption of furosemide and metformin can be improved by the combination of permeability enhancers. Therefore, it can be evaluated for the formulation of development strategies containing furosemide and metformin by the pharmaceutical industry.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of a Commensal Model with Allee Effect and Herd Behavior
Authors: Cai Junning , Pinto Manuel , Xia Yonghui
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study a commensal model with Allee effect and herd behavior. Firstly, the stability of all possible equilibria are investigated. Secondly, using the Sotomayor’s theorem, we prove the existence of saddle-node bifurcation and pitchfork bifurcation. Finally, all the theoretical predictions on the bifurcation are verified by numerical simulations.
Second Powers of Cover Ideals of Paths
Authors: Erey Nursel , Qureshi Ayesha Asloob
Published: December 2022

We show that the second power of the cover ideal of a path graph has linear quotients. To prove our result we construct a recursively defined order on the generators of the ideal which yields linear quotients. Our construction has a natural generalization to the larger class of chordal graphs. This generalization allows us to raise some questions that are related to some open problems about powers of cover ideals of chordal graphs.
Characterization of Boom Clay anisotropic THM behaviour based on two heating tests at different scales in the HADES URL
Authors: Chen Guangjing , Li Xiangling , Dizier Arnaud , Verstricht Jan , Sillen Xavier , Levasseur Severine
Published: December 2022

To examine the impact of the heat generated by high-level radioactive waste on Boom Clay, two heater tests have been launched in the HADES underground research facility: the small-scale ATLAS Heater Test and the large-scale PRACLAY Heater Test. The major objective of these tests is to confirm and refine the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) constitutive models and associated parameter values obtained from a laboratory characterization programme. This paper presents the observations from the ATLAS and PRACLAY heater tests and the combined numerical modelling of these tests. To characterize the excavation damaged zone in the clay around these tests, a mechanical model with a strain-dependent elastic modulus is introduced for the Boom Clay. The consistency between the observations from laboratory tests and
in-situ
tests and the outcomes from the numerical models strengthen the confidence in our understanding of the THM behaviour of Boom Clay. They also enabled us to validate the mechanical model and produce a set of anisotropic THM property values for both intact and damaged Boom Clay.