bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The utility of histology in assessing the cause of death in medico‐legal autopsies in selected trauma deaths: Suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related
Authors: Beer Torfinn , Bäckström Björn , Ottosson Anders , Rietz Anders , Michard Jean‐François , Loisel Johanna , Sandberg Oscar , Eriksson Anders
Published: January 2023

The goal of a medico‐legal autopsy is primarily to determine the cause and manner of death. To this end, the pathologist often uses auxiliary analyses, including histology. However, the utility of routine histology in all medico‐legal autopsies is unknown. Earlier studies on the utility of routine histology have shown inconsistent effects, with some studies recommending it and others rejecting it. To study the degree to which histology informs on the underlying cause of death, we sent autopsy reports from suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related deaths to senior board‐certified forensic pathologists and had them assess the cause of death, first without knowledge of the histological findings and then with knowledge thereof. Fifty cases were identified in each of four subgroups: fire‐, immersion‐, suspension‐, and traffic‐related deaths. The autopsy reports were anonymized, and the histological findings and conclusions were removed. Two board‐certified forensic pathologists independently reviewed the reports in each subgroup and assessed the manner and underlying cause of death (including their certainty of this assessment on a five‐level scale) with and without access to histological findings. The probability of changing the underlying cause of death posthistology was low in all study groups. There was a slight increase in the degree of certainty posthistology in cases where the underlying cause of death was not changed, but only when the antehistology certainty was low. Our results suggest that histology does not meaningfully inform on the underlying cause of death in suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related deaths except when antehistology certainty is low.
Intracranial venous stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Ong Frederick , Phillips Timothy , Selkirk Gregory , McAuliffe William
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There is increasing evidence in the literature to support venous sinus stenting in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension who fail first‐line therapy. Venous sinus stenting is a safe and successful technique compared with cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures. This study examines the clinical outcomes of patients post intracranial venous stenting for intracranial hypertension across three tertiary hospitals in Western Australia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 83 consecutive patients treated with intracranial venous stenting for IIH at three tertiary hospitals from October 2013 to March 2020. Data were collected from outpatient clinic letters, electronic discharge letters, electronic radiological imaging and procedural reports.

Results

89.2% patients were able to cease Acetazolomide post stenting. 78.3% patients reported resolution of headaches. 84.3% patients demonstrated resolution of their papilloedema. 91.6% patients demonstrated improvement of their visual acuity. Compared with a recent meta‐analysis by Satti and Chaudry in 2015, our results demonstrated a higher technical success rate and lower complication rates.

Conclusion

Our study findings support the paradigm shift from CSF diversion procedures to venous sinus stenting in patients with IIH who fail first‐line therapy. Venous sinus stenting has a high technical success rate and significantly lower complication rates than other invasive treatments.
Effect ofCOVID‐19 Lockdown on the Profitability of Firms in India*
Authors: Jain Ritika , Kumar Rajnish
Published: January 2023

We examine the effect of COVID‐19‐induced lockdown on the profitability of listed firms in India. We use quarterly income statement of 4168 listed firms for the period between April–June 2020 quarter and April–June 2022 quarter and compare their financial data with previous quarters (2015–2019). Using a difference‐in‐difference estimation framework and various profitability measures, we find that the COVID‐19 lockdown has reduced profits by around 15 per cent for listed firms in India. Our results are robust to various robustness tests and alternate specifications. We find evidence of firms losing revenues more than expenses, thus leading to decline in profits. The main effect is conditioned by firm‐specific factors. Specifically, firms that are smaller, older, unlisted and that do not belong to any group witnessed larger decline in profitability due to lockdown. Additionally, the effect of lockdown is more pronounced in areas that had lower mobility and higher COVID‐19 spread. These results underscore the importance of institutional factors and pre‐existing firm characteristics in conditioning the impact of lockdown on firm profitability.
Indocyanine green navigation in minimally invasive resection of multiple metachronous pulmonary metastases of hepatoblastoma
Authors: Delgado‐Miguel Carlos , Estefanía Karla , San Basilio María , Hernández Oliveros Francisco
Published: January 2023

Pulmonary metastases from hepatoblastoma (HB) have traditionally been identified by preoperative computed tomography scan image evaluation, and intraoperative visual and palpatory examinations through thoracotomy have been generally recommended. However, the safety and accuracy of surgery can be problematic in patients with small multiple lung metastases due to postoperative respiratory dysfunction risk secondary to decreased residual lung capacity in wedge resections. We present an 8‐month‐old patient with metastatic HB with multiple metachronous pulmonary lesions in whom thoracoscopic lung resections were performed guided by indocyanine green (ICG) administered intravenously 24 h earlier (0.5 mg/kg). ICG fluorescence allowed identification and limited resection of lung parenchyma, avoiding postoperative respiratory dysfunction. A total of 16 lung lesions were resected during four operations (two bilateral and two right thoracoscopies), with no postoperative complications. ICG‐guided thoracoscopic surgery allowed identification and resection of metastatic nodules in both lungs during the same procedure, achieving a hospital stay of less than 3 days for each intervention. The patient is currently 24 months old and remains asymptomatic, with no distant disease at the last imaging control. ICG‐guided resection via a thoracoscopic approach is particularly useful in patients with multiple and/or metachronous metastases requiring multiple surgical interventions.
Quantification of exhaled propofol is not feasible during single‐lung ventilation using double‐lumen tubes: A multicenter prospective observational trial
Authors: Hüppe Tobias , Kreuer Sascha , Wulf Hinnerk , Freitag Dennik , Seidel Martin , Teucke Tobias , Maurer Felix , Kirschbaum Andreas , Koch Tilo , Langer Frank , Volk Thomas , Feldmann Carsten
Published: January 2023

Background

Volatile propofol can be measured in exhaled air and correlates to plasma concentrations with a time delay. However, the effect of single‐lung ventilation on exhaled propofol is unclear. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate exhaled propofol concentrations during single‐lung compared to double‐lung ventilation using double‐lumen tubes.

Methods

In a first step, we quantified adhesion of volatile propofol to the inner surface of double‐lumen tubes during double‐ and single‐lumen ventilation in vitro. In a second step, we enrolled 30 patients scheduled for lung surgery in two study centers. Anesthesia was provided with propofol and remifentanil. We utilized left‐sided double‐lumen tubes to separately ventilate each lung. Exhaled propofol concentrations were measured at 1‐min intervals and plasma for propofol analyses was sampled every 20 min. To eliminate the influence of dosing on volatile propofol concentration, exhalation rate was normalized to plasma concentration.

Results

In‐vitro ventilation of double‐lumen tubes resulted in increasing propofol concentrations at the distal end of the tube over time. In vitro clamping the bronchial lumen led to an even more pronounced increase (Δ AUC +62%) in propofol gas concentration over time. Normalized propofol exhalation during lung surgery was 31% higher during single‐lung compared to double‐lung ventilation.

Conclusion

During single‐lung ventilation, propofol concentration in exhaled air, in contrast to our expectations, increased by approximately one third. However, this observation might not be affected by change in perfusion‐ventilation during single‐lung ventilation but rather arises from reduced propofol absorption on the inner surface area of the double‐lumen tube. Thus, it is only possible to utilize exhaled propofol concentration to a limited extent during single‐lung ventilation.

Registration of Clinical Trial

DRKS‐ID DRKS00014788 (www.drks.de).
Dietary choline intake is necessary to prevent systems‐wide organ pathology and reduce Alzheimer's disease hallmarks
Authors: Dave Nikhil , Judd Jessica M. , Decker Annika , Winslow Wendy , Sarette Patrick , Villarreal Espinosa Oscar , Tallino Savannah , Bartholomew Samantha K. , Bilal Alina , Sandler Jessica , McDonough Ian , Winstone Joanna K. , Blackwood Erik A. , Glembotski Christopher , Karr Timothy , Velazquez Ramon
Published: January 2023

There is an urgent need to identify modifiable environmental risk factors that reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The B‐like vitamin choline plays key roles in body‐ and brain‐related functions. Choline produced endogenously by the phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase protein in the liver is not sufficient for adequate physiological functions, necessitating daily dietary intake. ~90% of Americans do not reach the recommended daily intake of dietary choline. Thus, it's imperative to determine whether dietary choline deficiency increases disease outcomes. Here, we placed 3xTg‐AD, a model of AD, and non‐transgenic (NonTg) control mice on either a standard laboratory diet with sufficient choline (ChN; 2.0 g/kg choline bitartrate) or a choline‐deficient diet (Ch‐; 0.0 g/kg choline bitartrate) from 3 to 12 (early to late adulthood) months of age. A Ch‐ diet reduced blood plasma choline levels, increased weight, and impaired both motor function and glucose metabolism in NonTg mice, with 3xTg‐AD mice showing greater deficits. Tissue analyses showed cardiac and liver pathology, elevated soluble and insoluble Amyloid‐β and Thioflavin S structures, and tau hyperphosphorylation at various pathological epitopes in the hippocampus and cortex of 3xTg‐AD Ch‐ mice. To gain mechanistic insight, we performed unbiased proteomics of hippocampal and blood plasma samples. Dietary choline deficiency altered hippocampal networks associated with microtubule function and postsynaptic membrane regulation. In plasma, dietary choline deficiency altered protein networks associated with insulin metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and fructose metabolic processing. Our data highlight that dietary choline intake is necessary to prevent systems‐wide organ pathology and reduce hallmark AD pathologies.
Comparing substance use treatment initiation and retention between telehealth delivered during COVID‐19 and in‐person treatment pre‐COVID‐19
Authors: Sistad Rebecca E. , Enggasser Justin , Livingston Nicholas A. , Brief Deborah
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

A large portion of veterans referred to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment do not attend their first appointment or leave treatment prematurely. Telehealth options may increase access to care and treatment attendance. This study compared treatment initiation and retention between in‐person treatment pre‐COVID‐19 and telehealth treatment during COVID‐19 in a VA hospital outpatient alcohol and drug treatment clinic.

Methods

Electronic health record data were collected on 373 veterans out of 481 referrals. Mixed logistic and negative binomial regression models were used for estimating the effect of treatment modality on treatment initiation and retention, respectively.

Results

The odds of initiating treatment were 2.6 times greater when referred to a telehealth appointment during COVID‐19 compared to an in‐person appointment pre‐COVID‐19. Months retained in treatment postinitiation was similar between treatment modalities. Each month in treatment corresponded to a subsequently lower rate of treatment session attendance and by the fourth month, the average number of sessions attended was significantly lower for those receiving in‐person treatment compared to those receiving telehealth treatment.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The odds of initiating SUD treatment and rate of treatment attendance over time was greater for services delivered via telehealth during COVID‐19 compared to in‐person pre‐COVID‐19. Extending telehealth services as an option for individual and group SUD treatment may promote treatment initiation and potentially higher rate of attendance over time. This study provides additional evidence for the feasibility and utility of rapidly expanding telehealth for veterans seeking outpatient substance use treatment.
A longitudinal study on the impact of Internet gaming disorder on self‐perceived health, academic performance, and social life of first‐year college students
Authors: Benjet Corina , Orozco Ricardo , Albor Yesica C. , Contreras Eunice V. , Monroy‐Velasco Iris R. , Hernández Uribe Praxedis C. , Báez Mansur Patricia M. , Covarrubias Díaz Couder María A. , Quevedo Chávez Guillermo E. , Gutierrez‐García Raúl A. , Machado Nydia , Andersson Claes , Borges Guilherme
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with health, social, and academic problems but whether these are consequences of the disorder rather than precursors or correlates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether IGD in the 1st year of university predicts health, academic and social problems 1 year later, controlling for baseline health, academic and social problems, demographics, and mental health symptoms.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 1741 university students completed both a baseline online survey in their 1st year and a follow‐up survey 1 year later. Log‐binomial models examined the strength of prospective associations between baseline predictor variables (IGD, baseline health, academic and social problems, sex, age, and mental health symptoms) and occurrence of health, academic and social problems at follow‐up.

Results

When extensively adjusted by the corresponding outcome at baseline, any mental disorder symptoms, sex, and age, baseline IGD was associated only with severe school impairment and poor social life (risk ratio [RR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–2.75, p = .011; RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07–1.38, p = .002, respectively).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

University authorities and counselors should consider that incoming 1st‐year students that meet criteria for IGD are likely to have increased academic and social impairments during their 1st year for which they may want to intervene. This study adds to the existing literature by longitudinally examining a greater array of negative outcomes of IGD than previously documented.
Factors for risk stratification of patients with actinic keratosis using integrated analysis of clinicopathological features and gene expression patterns
Authors: Kim Han‐Na , Kim Hayeon , Gim Jeong‐An , Baek Yoo S. , Kim Aeree , Kim Chungyeul
Published: January 2023

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) is considered as precursor lesion of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Molecular studies on AK are limited because of too small size of the biopsy specimen to obtain enough DNA or RNA.

Methods

Twenty biopsy cases of AK, followed by second same‐sited biopsies, were included. Ten cases were diagnosed with total regression (regression group), while the other 10 were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma (progression group) in the follow‐up biopsies. Using digital spatial profiling (DSP) technology, whole‐gene expression analysis defined by specific regions of interest was performed for all 20 cases. After the clinicopathological features were assessed, separate and integrated analyses of these features and gene expression patterns were performed using machine‐learning technology. All analyses were performed on both lesion keratinocytes (KT) and infiltrated stromal lymphocytes (LC).

Results

Among the 18,667 genes assessed, 33 and 72 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the regression and progression groups were found in KT and LC respectively. The primary genes distinguishing the two groups were KRT10 for KT and CARD18 for LC. Clinicopathological features were weaker in risk stratification of AK progression than the gene expression patterns. Pathways associated with various cancers were upregulated in the progression group of KT, whereas the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor signalling pathway was upregulated in the progression of LC.

Conclusion

Gene expression patterns were effective for risk stratification of AK progression, and their distinguishing power was higher than that of clinicopathological features.
Education degree predicts cardiovascular outcomes in men suffering from erectile dysfunction
Authors: Yannas Dimitri , Zago Elena , Cavallini Elena , Todisco Tommaso , Vignozzi Linda , Corona Giovanni , Maggi Mario , Rastrelli Giulia
Published: January 2023

Background

The level of education has been recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor; nevertheless, it is often neglected in cardiovascular risk prediction.

Objectives

To evaluate the psychobiological correlates of the level of education and if it could predict incident major adverse cardiovascular events in men consulting for erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Total 3733 men (49.8 ± 13.7 years old) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for erectile dysfunction were studied. Sexual and psychological symptoms, hormonal and metabolic, as well as instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound) parameters were evaluated according to the education level (university, upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary degree). For a subset of 956 patients, data on incident major adverse cardiovascular events were retrospectively collected for 3.9 ± 2.4 years.

Results

As compared with men with university degree, those with a lower education had an increased frequency of moderate–severe erectile dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.21 [0.99;1.48], 1.41 [1.14;1.73], 1.70 [1.26;2.30] for upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary school, respectively) and reduced flaccid peak systolic velocity at penile color Doppler ultrasound. Men with a lower level of education tend to suffer from metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 1.38 [1.06;1.79], 1.73 [1.34;2.24], 1.72 [1.24;2.37] for upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary school, respectively) and were more likely to have history of previous cardiovascular events. In the longitudinal study, men with a higher level of education had a significantly lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. The role of higher education as an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events was established by multivariable Cox regressions (hazard ratio = 2.14 [1.24–3.69]).

Discussion

In erectile dysfunction subjects, lower level of education is associated with a more severely impaired erectile function with atherogenic pathogenesis and with a worse cardio‐metabolic profile. In addition, a lower level of education predicts forthcoming major adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, education level should be considered as a costless but valuable information in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with erectile dysfunction.
Venous thromboembolism risk stratification for patients undergoing surgery for IBD using a novel six factor scoring system using NSQIP‐IBD registry
Authors: Cheong Ju Yong , Connelly Tara M. , Russell Tara , Valente Michael , Bhama Anuradha , Lightner Amy , Hull Tracy , Steele Scott R. , Holubar Stefan D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are recognized to have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative risk factors for VTE and to create a predictive scoring system for VTE in the IBD cohort.

Methods

The NSQIP‐IBD Collaboration Registry from 2017 to 2020 was used to identify patients. Demographics, operative and outcomes data of IBD patients undergoing surgeries for IBD were analysed. A logistic multivariate regression model was performed using all significant variables to develop a predictive scoring system of VTE.

Results

Five‐thousand and three patients (51.9% male, mean age: 42.7, 42.7% ulcerative colitis) were included in the study. 125 (2.49%) developed VTE. On multivariate analysis ASA grade, ulcerative colitis, sepsis, serum sodium <139 mmol/L, an open abdomen and preoperative inter hospital transfer were associated with greater risk of VTE. Using these 6 significant factors, a risk model was constructed. The risk of VTE with one risk factor was 0.7% and 1.8% with two risk factors. The risk of VTE increased to 3.6% and 4.5% with three and four risk factors respectively. With five and six risk factors, the risk of VTE increased exponentially to 10.9% and 25% respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that there are cumulative risk factors which increase the risk of VTE after surgery for IBD. The risk increases exponentially with more than five risk factors, and extended chemoprophylaxis may not be enough in reducing this risk.
When should I eat: A circadian view on food intake and metabolic regulation
Authors: Chamorro Rodrigo , Jouffe Céline , Oster Henrik , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Meyhöfer Sebastian M.
Published: January 2023

The circadian clock is a hierarchical timing system regulating most physiological and behavioral functions with a period of approximately 24 h in humans and other mammalian species. The circadian clock drives daily eating rhythms that, in turn, reinforce the circadian clock network itself to anticipate and orchestrate metabolic responses to food intake. Eating is tightly interconnected with the circadian clock and recent evidence shows that the timing of meals is crucial for the control of appetite and metabolic regulation. Obesity results from combined long‐term dysregulation in food intake (homeostatic and hedonic circuits), energy expenditure, and energy storage. Increasing evidence supports that the loss of synchrony of daily rhythms significantly impairs metabolic homeostasis and is associated with obesity. This review presents an overview of mechanisms regulating food intake (homeostatic/hedonic) and focuses on the crucial role of the circadian clock on the metabolic response to eating, thus providing a fundamental research axis to maintain a healthy eating behavior.
Meta‐analysis: Real‐world effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Taxonera Carlos , Olivares David , López‐García Olga N. , Alba Cristina
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence on real‐world outcomes of ustekinumab for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is needed.

Aims

To summarise evidence on the real‐world outcomes of ustekinumab for UC and conduct a meta‐analysis of effectiveness and safety data.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted through September 2022 in electronic databases for observational studies evaluating ustekinumab for UC. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes (percentages or incidence rates [IRs]) of effectiveness and safety outcomes.

Results

In all, 19 studies were included with 3786 patients. More than 92% of patients were previously treated with any biologic, 61.1% with both anti‐TNF and vedolizumab and 16.4% with any biologic and tofacitinib. Clinical remission was achieved in 45.4% at week 8 (95% CI: 30.1%–60.6%), 43.8% (38.4%–49.2%) at weeks 12–16, 44.6% (35.9%–53.3%) at month 6, and 50.6% (36.3%–64.8%) at month 12. Response was achieved in 61.2%, 59.4%, 65.2% and 76.8% at weeks 8, 12–16, month 6 and 12, respectively. CS‐free remission was achieved in 18.7%, 36.8%, 34.5% and 39% at weeks 8, 12–16, month 6 and 12, respectively. Overall, 58.2% of patients had endoscopic improvement at month 12. Almost 30% of the patients needed dose escalation, which was effective in 40% of these patients. The IRs of colectomy, adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and serious infections were 4.8, 7.9, 0.8 and 0.3 per 100 patient‐years, respectively.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis confirms the effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in a highly treatment‐refractory population of UC patients.
Evaluation of thyroid function monitoring in people treated with lithium: Advice based on real‐world data
Authors: Duce Helen L. , Duff Christopher J. , Zaidi Syed , Parfitt Ceri , Heald Adrian H. , Fryer Anthony A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Blood test monitoring is essential for the management of lithium treatment and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance recommends 6‐monthly serum testing of thyroid function. We examined conformity to these guidelines and the impact of monitoring outside these intervals.

Methods

We extracted serum lithium and thyroid hormone results at one centre between January 2009 and December 2020. We identified 266 patients who started lithium during this period with no history of thyroid abnormality within the previous 2 years and were at risk of developing thyroid abnormalities. We examined the interval between tests, time between onset of lithium testing and first thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) outside the laboratory reference range and assessed impact of testing outside recommended 6‐monthly intervals.

Results

The most common testing frequency was 3 months (±1 month), accounting for 17.3% of test intervals. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that most thyroid dysfunction manifests within 3 years (proportion with abnormal TSH at 3 years = 91.4%, 19.9% of total patients). In the first 3 months after commencing lithium therapy, eight patients developed subclinical hypothyroidism and had clinical follow‐up data available. Of these, half spontaneously normalized without clinical intervention. In the remaining patients, thyroxine replacement was only initiated after multiple occasions of subclinical hypothyroidism (median = 2 years after initiating lithium, range: 6 months to 3 years).

Conclusion

The peak interval at 3 months suggests that thyroid function is frequently checked at the same time as serum lithium, indicating too frequent testing. Our data support the recommended 6‐monthly testing interval and highlight poor adherence to it.
Entropy Balancing for Causal Generalization with Target Sample Summary Information
Authors: Chen Rui , Chen Guanhua , Yu Menggang
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we focus on estimating the average treatment effect (ATE) of a target population when individual-level data from a source population and summary-level data (e.g., first or second moments of certain covariates) from the target population are available. In the presence of the heterogeneous treatment effect, the ATE of the target population can be different from that of the source population when distributions of treatment effect modifiers are dissimilar in these two populations, a phenomenon also known as covariate shift. Many methods have been developed to adjust for covariate shift, but most require individual covariates from a representative target sample. We develop a weighting approach based on the summary-level information from the target sample to adjust for possible covariate shift in effect modifiers. In particular, weights of the treated and control groups within a source sample are calibrated by the summary-level information of the target sample. Our approach also seeks additional covariate balance between the treated and control groups in the source sample. We study the asymptotic behavior of the corresponding weighted estimator for the target population ATE under a wide range of conditions. The theoretical implications are confirmed in simulation studies and a real-data application.
The relationship between numerical mapping abilities, maths achievement and socioeconomic status in 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Short Dawn S. , McLean Janet F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Early numeracy skills are associated with academic and life‐long outcomes. Children from low‐income backgrounds typically have poorer maths outcomes, and their learning can already be disadvantaged before they begin formal schooling. Understanding the relationship between the skills that support the acquisition of early maths skills could scaffold maths learning and improve life chances.

Aims

The present study aimed to examine how the ability of children from different SES backgrounds to map between symbolic (Arabic numerals) and non‐symbolic (dot arrays) at two difficulty ratios related to their math performance.

Sample

Participants were 398 children in their first year of formal schooling (Mean age = 60 months), and 75% were from low SES backgrounds.

Method

The children completed symbolic to non‐symbolic and non‐symbolic to symbolic mapping tasks at two difficulty ratios (1:2; 2:3) plus standardized maths tasks.

Results

The results showed that all the children performed better for symbolic to non‐symbolic mapping and when the ratio was 1:2. Mapping task performance was significantly related to maths task achievement, but low‐SES children showed significantly lower performance on all tasks.

Conclusion

The results suggest that mapping tasks could be a useful way to identify children at risk of low maths attainment.
Targeting polymerase θ impairs tumorigenesis and enhances radiosensitivity in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rao Xinrui , Xing Biyuan , Wu Zilong , Bin Yawen , Chen Yunshang , Xu Yingzhuo , Zhou Dong , Zhou Xiaoshu , Wu Chuangyan , Ye Wang , Chen Weibin , Wang Geng , Zhang Sheng , Dong Xiaorong , Meng Rui , Wu Gang , Zhou Rui
Published: January 2023

Radioresistance remains a major obstacle to efficacious radiotherapy in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DNA replication proteins are novel targets for radiosensitizers. POLQ is a DNA polymerase involved in DNA damage response and repair. We found that POLQ is overexpressed in NSCLC and is clinically correlated with high tumor stage, poor prognosis, increased tumor mutational burden, and ALK and TP5 mutation status; POLQ inhibition impaired lung tumorigenesis. Notably, POLQ expression was higher in radioresistant lung cancer cells than in wild‐type cancer cells. Moreover, POLQ expression was further increased in radioresistant cells after radiation. Enhanced radioresistance is through a prolonged G2/M phase and faster repair of DNA damage, leading to reduced radiation‐induced apoptosis. Novobiocin (NVB), a POLQ inhibitor, specifically targeted cancer cells. Genetic knockdown of POLQ or pharmacological inhibition by NVB decreased radioresistance in lung adenocarcinoma while causing little toxicity to normal pulmonary epithelial cells. In conclusion, POLQ is a promising and practical cancer‐specific target to impair tumorigenesis and enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC.
Caseworkers as a source of hope leading to perceptions of academic success for transitional age foster youth
Authors: Pharris Angela B. , Muñoz Ricky T. , Hellman Chan M.
Published: January 2023

Research among adolescent samples has consistently demonstrated that a hopeful mindset is associated with resilience and global well‐being. Further, research suggests that hope is influenced from an early age from connections with supportive caregivers. However, because older youth in the child welfare system may lack supportive caregivers, alternative sources of hope may be needed. To test a theory that supportive child welfare caseworkers can serve as external sources of hope, we conducted a cross‐sectional study of youth in the child welfare system from a single state (N = 149). Using surveys with established scales to measure the variables of interest, the study tested a structural equation model of (1) youth's external hope in their caseworker as a driver of (2) internal hope in themselves leading to (3) more positive perceptions of academic success. Perceptions of academic success were chosen as the final consequence of the model because academic success has been linked to many other variables of well‐being across the lifespan. The results indicate that the proposed structural model fits the data well (χ2 = 327.9, df = 150; P < 0.001; root‐mean‐square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.09 [90% confidence interval – CI: 0.076, 0.103]; comparative fit index [CFI]: 0.920; standardized root‐mean‐square residual [SRMR]: 0.05). The results indicate that youths' hope in themselves had origins in external hope in the caseworker. Moreover, the final consequence was an increase in perceptions of academic success. Such results have implications by revealing how case management services can positively influence foster youths' hope and thereby influence their academic success.
Exploring patient experiences and concerns in the online Cochlear implant community: A cross‐sectional study and validation of automated topic modelling
Authors: Williams Christopher Y. K. , Li Rosia X. , Luo Michael Y. , Bance Manohar
Published: January 2023

Objective

There is a paucity of research examining patient experiences of cochlear implants. We sought to use natural language processing methods to explore patient experiences and concerns in the online cochlear implant (CI) community.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study of posts on the online Reddit r/CochlearImplants forum from 1 March 2015 to 11 November 2021. Natural language processing using the BERTopic automated topic modelling technique was employed to cluster posts into semantically similar topics. Topic categorisation was manually validated by two independent reviewers and Cohen's kappa calculated to determine inter‐rater reliability between machine vs human and human vs human categorisation.

Results

We retrieved 987 posts from 588 unique Reddit users on the r/CochlearImplants forum. Posts were initially categorised by BERTopic into 16 different Topics, which were increased to 23 Topics following manual inspection. The most popular topics related to CI connectivity (n = 112), adults considering getting a CI (n = 107), surgery‐related posts (n = 89) and day‐to‐day living with a CI (n = 85). Cohen's kappa among all posts was 0.62 (machine vs. human) and 0.72 (human vs. human), and among categorised posts was 0.85 (machine vs. human) and 0.84 (human vs. human).

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study of social media discussions among the online cochlear implant community identified common attitudes, experiences and concerns of patients living with, or seeking, a cochlear implant. Our validation of natural language processing methods to categorise topics shows that automated analysis of similar Otolaryngology‐related content is a viable and accurate alternative to manual qualitative approaches.
The Spillover Effects of Environmental Regulations: A Perspective of Chinese Unregulated Firms' Tax Burden
Authors: Geng Yong , Liu Wei , Chen Hanshu , Zou Xinyu
Published: January 2023

Previous studies focus on the direct impacts of environmental regulations while paying less attention to spillover effects. Taking the Eleventh Five‐year Plan in China as a quasi‐natural experiment, our results show that environmental regulations significantly increase the tax burden of unregulated firms. Environmental regulations generate spillover effects on firms that should not be subjected to regulatory policies. Further channel analysis shows that the fiscal pressure of local governments caused by environmental regulations is a major channel for the increase in the tax burden of unregulated firms. Finally, according to the heterogeneity results, the spillover effects are more pronounced in small firms, non‐state‐owned enterprises, and provinces with stricter enforcement. Our findings emphasize the additional costs of environmental policies, and the government should consider these costs when formulating policies.
Total Factor Productivity in China's Manufacturing Sector in the Aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Shen Guangjun , Zou Jingxian
Published: January 2023

This paper improves the estimation of firm‐level total factor productivity (TFP) by considering energy use and including small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises using data from the Chinese National Tax Survey Database (2008–2011). It analyzes the production efficiency of Chinese manufacturing firms using the improved TFP data and finds that (i) the TFP data frequently used in previous studies overestimated firms' real production efficiency; (ii) the TFP of manufacturing firms decreased from 2008 to 2011 due to declines in both technical efficiency and allocation efficiency; (iii) the lower capacity utilization of production factors led to lower technical efficiency; and (iv) allocation efficiency decreased more in provinces and industries with higher shares of state‐owned enterprises. The findings have policy implications for enhancing growth potential in the long run.
Early‐onset smoking and vaping of cannabis: Prevalence, correlates and trends in New Zealand 14–15‐year‐olds
Authors: Ball Jude , Zhang Jane , Stanley James , Boden Joseph , Waa Andrew , Hammond David , Edwards Richard
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Initiating cannabis use at an early age elevates risk of harm. Cannabis vaping is an emerging issue, and it is unknown whether the patterning and correlates of early‐onset cannabis vaping differ from those of cannabis smoking.

Methods

We used repeat cross‐sectional data from a nationally representative biennial survey (2012–2018) of students aged 14–15 years in New Zealand (N = 11,405), response rate 65% (2012), 64% (2014–2016) and 59% (2018).

Results

Between 2012 and 2018 lifetime cannabis use decreased, but regular use (past month, weekly, daily) was stable. Prevalence of past month, weekly and daily use in 2016–2018 (pooled) was 8.6%, 3.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Cannabis vaping was reported by 24% of past month cannabis users. The demographic profile of early‐onset cannabis smokers and vapers was similar, with elevated use of both modes among Māori (Indigenous), same‐ or both‐sex attracted students and those in low decile (high‐deprivation) schools. Correlates were similar for both modes. Cannabis use was strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. The next strongest associations (after adjustment) were exposure to second‐hand smoke at home, student income >$50/week and low parental monitoring of whereabouts. Past week social media use, psychological distress and low parental monitoring of spending were also associated with both modes.

Discussion and conclusions

Early‐onset cannabis use is much higher in structurally disadvantaged groups, and among those who use tobacco and alcohol. Comprehensive multisubstance approaches to prevention are indicated in this age group. Efforts to reduce socio‐economic inequity and exposure to other risk factors may reduce cannabis‐related harm.
The dopamine effect on sea urchin larvae depends on their age
Authors: Kalachev Alexander V. , Tankovich Alina E.
Published: January 2023

Activation of the dopamine type‐D2 receptor in late gastrula of sea urchins is known to decrease the growth rate of post‐oral arms of larvae, and, as a result, the phenotype of these larvae mimics that of larvae developing in the abundance of food. Our data indicate that the effect of dopamine on sea urchin larvae is stage‐dependent. In our experiment, the early four‐armed plutei (96 hours post fertilization, hpf) of Strongylocentrotus intermedius had substantially shorter post‐oral arms if they developed from the larvae treated with dopamine at the early pluteus stage (48 hpf), when they had already formed the first dopaminergic neurons, as compared to the plutei from the larvae treated with dopamine at the mid to late gastrula stage (24 hpf), when they did not have any neurons yet. The pre‐treatment of larvae in 6‐hydroxydopamine, a neurotoxic analog of dopamine that specifically disrupts activity of dopaminergic neurons, prevented the development of the short post‐oral arms phenotype in larvae. These results confirm the assumption that dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the development of the short post‐oral arms phenotype in sea urchin larvae. Another finding of our study is that the dopamine treatment also affects the growth of the body rods and the overall larval body growth. Based on these observations, we suggest researchers to carefully select the developmental stage, pharmacological agents, and incubation time for experimental manipulation of sea urchin larvae phenotypes through dopaminergic nervous system.
wallace 2: a shiny app for modeling species niches and distributions redesigned to facilitate expansion via module contributions
Authors: Kass Jamie M. , Pinilla‐Buitrago Gonzalo E. , Paz Andrea , Johnson Bethany A. , Grisales‐Betancur Valentina , Meenan Sarah I. , Attali Dean , Broennimann Olivier , Galante Peter J. , Maitner Brian S. , Owens Hannah L. , Varela Sara , Aiello‐Lammens Matthew E. , Merow Cory , Blair Mary E. , Anderson Robert P.
Published: January 2023

Released 4 years ago, the Wallace EcoMod application (R package wallace) provided an open‐source and interactive platform for modeling species niches and distributions that served as a reproducible toolbox and educational resource. wallace harnesses R package tools documented in the literature and makes them available via a graphical user interface that runs analyses and returns code to document and reproduce them. Since its release, feedback from users and partners helped identify key areas for advancement, leading to the development of wallace 2. Following the vision of growth by community expansion, the core development team engaged with collaborators and undertook a major restructuring of the application to enable: simplified addition of custom modules to expand methodological options, analyses for multiple species in the same session, improved metadata features, new database connections, and saving/loading sessions. wallace 2 features nine new modules and added functionalities that facilitate data acquisition from climate‐simulation, botanical and paleontological databases; custom data inputs; model metadata tracking; and citations for R packages used (to promote documentation and give credit to developers). Three of these modules compose a new component for environmental space analyses (e.g., niche overlap). This expansion was paired with outreach to the biogeography and biodiversity communities, including international presentations and workshops that take advantage of the software's extensive guidance text. Additionally, the advances extend accessibility with a cloud‐computing implementation and include a suite of comprehensive unit tests. The features in wallace 2 greatly improve its expandability, breadth of analyses, and reproducibility options, including the use of emerging metadata standards. The new architecture serves as an example for other modular software, especially those developed using the rapidly proliferating R package shiny, by showcasing straightforward module ingestion and unit testing. Importantly, wallace 2 sets the stage for future expansions, including those enabling biodiversity estimation and threat assessments for conservation.
Use of a new device for inversion of the necrotic ileal stump in the caecum in four horses
Authors: Gandini Marco , Giusto Gessica
Published: January 2023

Background

In jejunocaecal anastomosis leaving a necrotic ileal stump has been implicated in complications and poor outcomes. Elective inversion of the necrotic stump using a nasogastric tube has been previously described, although this procedure can be cumbersome and can cause caecocolic orifice occlusion.

Objective

To describe the use of a new device for elective inversion of necrotic ileal stumps.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

Details of the four horses that underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis with elective inversion of the ileal stump were retrieved from their medical records. For each case, a device was constructed by securing 0.7 m of hemp tape to a 0.5 m long electrical cable puller. The device was inserted into the ileum and passed through the caecum. The ileal lumen was closed using sutures or staples, and the tape was simultaneously secured to the intestine. The ileum was then resected. A small typhlotomy was performed at the proposed site for jejunocaecal anastomosis. The device was retrieved, the hemp tape was cut, and jejunocaecal anastomosis was completed.

Results

The device was easily secured to the intestines. Small enterotomies were sufficient for device insertion and removal. In four clinical cases the procedure was effective in inverting the stump, and three out of the four horses recovered uneventfully and were discharged from the hospital. One horse was euthanised due to colic 27 months following discharge.

Main limitations

Small number of cases admitted to single tertiary hospital.

Conclusions

The device was effective in inverting the ileal stump in the included clinical cases. By leaving a short, inverted stump, this method may help improve the prognosis for jejunocaecal anastomosis, possibly avoiding certain undesired effects of the procedure. Further studies with large numbers of cases are required.
Brain MRI findings in patients with bullous pemphigoid: A case–control study
Authors: Ganji Raziyeh , Mahboubi‐Fooladi Zahra , Shahidi‐Dadras Mohammad , Tehranchinia Zohreh , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh , Ghalamkarpour Fariba , Robati RM , Gheisari Mehdi , Mozafari Nikoo , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Nasiri Soheila
Published: January 2023

Evidence suggests that bullous pemphigoid (BP) is associated with multiple neurological disorders. We aimed to compare brain magnetic resonance (MRI) findings between BP patients and a control group. This case–control study included patients with BP referred to two dermatology clinics during a two‐year period. A group of individuals attending the same clinics for cosmetic procedures were selected as controls. First, participants' general information including age, gender, education, weight and underlying disease was recorded. For BP patients, the drugs and the BP Disease Area Index (BPDAI) were recorded as well. Then, all participants underwent brain MRI without contrast. The Fazekas scale, the general cerebral atrophy (GCA) score, and the Medial Temporal lobe Atrophy (MTA) score were used to assess MRI images. Overall, 24 BP patients and 24 controls were evaluated in this study. Both groups were comparable regarding age, gender and education. However, diabetes and hypertension were more frequent in the control group. The mean BPDAI total score was 51.39 ± 68.92 in BP patients and most of them used rituximab (41.7%). None of the participants had MS or Alzheimer MRI patterns. There was no difference between groups in terms of GCA and MTA scores. Furthermore, the frequency of partially empty sella did not differ significantly between BP patients and controls (p = 0.461); nevertheless, grade‐3 Fazekas was significantly higher in BP patients compared to controls (25% vs. 0%, p = 0.019). Of note, one BP patient had an epidermoid cyst and another had moderate enlargement of three ventricles. Also, new infarcts were observed in two and old infarcts in four BP patients. Although the majority of abnormal brain MRI findings were more frequent in BP patients compared to controls, only grade‐3 Fazekas was significantly higher and acute infarcts were exclusively observed in BP patients.