bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borderline personality disorder and the diagnostic co‐occurrence of mental health disorders and somatic diseases: A controlled prospective national register‐based study
Authors: Hastrup L. H. , Jennum P. , Ibsen R. , Kjellberg J. , Simonsen E.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Information on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and its comorbidities is often limited to concentrate on a few diagnoses. The aim of the study was to use national register data to investigate all diagnostic co‐occurring mental health disorders and somatic diseases 3 years before and after initial BPD diagnosis compared with a matched control group.

Method

The study was a register‐based cohort of 2756 patients with incident BPD (ICD F60.3) and 11,024 matched controls, during 2002–2016. Comorbidity data were classified into main disease groups, in accordance with the World Health Organization ICD‐10 criteria.

Results

Almost half the patients had been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders before the BPD diagnosis as compared to 3% in the control group. Further, the co‐occurrence of diseases due to external causes of morbidity, including injury, self‐harm, and poisoning were more represented in the BPD group before diagnosis as compared to the control group. In addition, co‐occurring morbidity related to diseases in the circulatory, the respiratory, the digestive, the musculoskeletal, and the genitourinary system was more represented in the BPD group. After diagnosis, the proportion of patients with co‐occurring morbidity increased further in all main disease groups in the BPD group. As many as 87% of patients had mental and behavioral co‐occurring morbidity and 15% nervous diseases as compared with 3% and 4%, respectively, in the control group. Also, comorbidities related to external causes of morbidity, including for example, injury and self‐harm were more represented in the BPD group. The BPD group had more somatic co‐occurring morbidity, especially digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine diseases. Finally, the mortality over 12 years was statistically significantly higher in people with BPD than in the control group.

Conclusion

Patients with BPD have higher odds for multiple physical health conditions and co‐occurrence of mental health disorders.
A naturalistic effectiveness study of maintenance therapies for the bipolar disorders
Authors: Spoelma Michael J. , Leidreiter Joanne , Bayes Adam , Jebejian Artin , Parker Gordon
Published: December 2023

Background

Treatment decision‐making for individuals with bipolar disorder can be difficult. Recommendations from clinical practice guidelines can be affected by multiple methodological limitations, while pharmaco‐epidemiological data suggest great variety in prescription practices across regions. Given these inconsistencies, this study aimed to provide an alternative perspective on the effectiveness of common bipolar disorder maintenance treatments through considering naturalistic data.

Methods

A total of 246 individuals with bipolar disorder (84 bipolar I [BP‐I], 162 bipolar II [BP‐II]) were recruited through clinics and/or websites. All were euthymic and had trialled at least one mood stabiliser. They completed an online survey containing questions on demographics, clinical variables, symptomatology, and the effectiveness/side effect profiles of any mood stabilisers (MSTs) or atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) that they have taken.

Results

Lithium and lamotrigine were the most commonly prescribed MSTs and the most effective at mood stabilisation. Lithium and lamotrigine appeared marginally more effective for BP‐I and BP‐II respectively, however, only the latter difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, lamotrigine had the more favourable side effect profile. Amongst the AAPs, quetiapine and olanzapine were the most commonly prescribed, but they were negligibly superior to other AAPs.

Conclusion

This study clearly established a preference for lamotrigine in the maintenance treatment of BP‐II. While the literature consistently emphasises the primacy of lithium in bipolar disorder treatment, its side effect profile as observed in this study remains a concern. Future research considering moderators of treatment response and concomitant medications could help to identify further nuances to consider for treatment decision‐making.
Four challenges from anthropology's current meta
Authors: Golub Alex
Published: December 2023

An examination of American anthropology from 1974 to 2024 shows that the discipline faces novel challenges in today's “meta,” or media ecosystem: two challenges facing theory and two facing ethnography. To remain successful, anthropology must meet these challenges.
Concrete Impacts: Blast Walls, Wartime Emissions, and the US Occupation of Iraq
Authors: Neimark Benjamin , Belcher Oliver , Ashworth Kirsti , Larbi Reuben
Published: December 2023

Militaries around the world are a major source of carbon emissions, yet very little is known about their carbon footprint. Reliable data around military resource use and environmental damage is highly variable. Researchers are dependent upon military transparency, the context of military operations, and broader emissions reporting. While studies are beginning to emerge on global militaries and their carbon footprints, less work has focused on wartime emissions. We examine one sliver of the hidden carbon emissions of late‐modern warfare by focusing on the use of concrete “blast walls” by US forces in Baghdad over a five‐year period (2003–2008). This study uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to study one of the world's largest military carbon footprints of concrete, an infrastructural weapon in late‐modern urban counterinsurgencies. Moving beyond dominant discourses on climate‐security and “greening”, we present one of the first studies to expose direct and indirect military emissions resulting from combat.
Classification of forest and shrubland vegetation in central and eastern Euxine Turkey and SW Georgia
Authors: Kavgacı Ali , Karaköse Mustafa , Keleş Emine Seda , Balpınar Neslihan , Arslan Münevver , Yalçın Erkan , Novák Pavel , Čarni Andraž
Published: December 2023

Questions

What are the main vegetation types of forest and shrubland vegetation in central and eastern Euxine Turkey and SW Georgia? What are the main environmental factors affecting their diversity? What is their syntaxonomic position? Can we integrate them into the European vegetation classification system?

Location

Central and eastern Euxine Turkey and SW Georgia.

Methods

We collected 3104 vegetation plots of forest and shrubland vegetation in the study region and performed Two‐Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) classification. We described vegetation types based on the classification results, expert knowledge and information from literature sources. We defined diagnostic species and prepared distribution maps for each vegetation type. To determine the most significant environmental variables on floristic differentiation, we used canonical correspondence analysis. Detrended correspondence analysis with passive projection of most significant environmental variables was run to interpret the environmental variation of vegetation types.

Results

The studied vegetation was divided into 29 vegetation types related to seven main vegetation groups: relict Mediterranean forests and shrubland (mainly along the coastline, beside some inland localities), lowland to submontane forests, central Euxine mountain forests, eastern Euxine (Colchic) mountain forests, subeuxine forests, azonal riparian forests and subalpine and alpine shrubland. Elevation is the most important factor causing the differentiation in vegetation. It is followed by longitude and latitude. Among climatic variables, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation and precipitation of the wettest quarter are the most significant factors for vegetation differentiation. These factors correlate with the reduction of maritime climate and geomorphological features.

Conclusions

Vegetation types mostly correspond to the syntaxa accepted in the EuroVegChecklist. However, some of them do not appear in the EuroVegChecklist since they appear only beyond Europe. We described three syntaxa as new: Abietion equi‐trojani, Querco cerridis‐Carpinion orientalis and Piceo orientalis‐Fagenion orientalis. The study revealed high vegetation diversity of the region that should be taken into consideration in ecosystem management and used as a reference in restoration and mitigation of the effects of global changes.
Gabapentinoids in Ireland 2010 to 2020: An observational study of trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, law enforcement drug seizures and postmortem toxicology
Authors: Durand Louise , O'Kane Aoife , Tierney Julie , Cronly Mark , Bennett Kathleen E. , Kavanagh Yvonne , Keenan Eamon , Cousins Gráinne
Published: December 2023

Aims

We explored trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, drug seizures and postmortem toxicology using a national pharmacy claims database, law enforcement drug seizures data and a population‐based postmortem toxicology database.

Methods

Gabapentinoid prescribing rates per 100 000 eligible population (2010–2020), annual number of drug seizures involving gabapentinoids (2012–2020) and gabapentinoid detection (positive) rates per 100 postmortem toxicology case (2013–2020) were calculated. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate longitudinal trends for gabapentin and pregabalin separately.

Results

Gabapentin (adjusted rate ratio [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.06, P < .001) and pregabalin (adjusted RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.08–1.09, P < .001) prescribing increased annually, with higher rates of pregabalin (vs. gabapentin) observed every year. Drug seizures involving pregabalin also increased over time (RR 1.54 95% CI 1.25–1.90, P < .0001). Of the 26 317 postmortem toxicology cases, 0.92% tested positive for gabapentin, and 6.37% for pregabalin. Detection rates increased for both gabapentin (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.48, P < .001) and pregabalin (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11–1.48, P < .001) between 2013 and 2020. A total of 1901 cases (7.2%) tested positive for heroin/methadone; this sub‐group had a higher detection rate for pregabalin (n = 528, 27.8%) and gabapentin (n = 41, 2.2%) over the study period, with a high burden of codetections for pregabalin with benzodiazepines (peaking at 37.3% in 2018), and pregabalin with prescription opioids (peaking at 28.9% in 2020).

Conclusion

This study raises concerns regarding the wide availability of pregabalin in Ireland, including a growing illicit supply, and the potential for serious harm arising from poly drug use involving pregabalin among people who use heroin or methadone.
Care of the older person and the value of human dignity
Authors: Pageau Félix , Fiasse Gaëlle , Nordenfelt Lennart , Mihailov Emilian
Published: December 2023

As the world population is rapidly aging, stakeholders must address the care of the elderly with great concern. Also, loss of dignity is often associated with aging due to dementia, mobility problems and diminished functional autonomy. However, dignity is a polysemic term that is deemed useless by some ethicists. To counter this claim, we propose four concepts to define it better and make use accurately of this notion. These are human dignity, dignity of identity, dignities of excellence and attributed dignities. Finally, we explain the importance of solicitude and human dignity in the care of the elderly. This will ensure the respect, friendship and dignity of the elderly in providing geriatric ethical care.
Durable responses in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with the use of FLT3 and IDH inhibitors
Authors: Madero‐Marroquin Rafael , DuVall Adam S. , Saygin Caner , Wang Peng , Gurbuxani Sandeep , Larson Richard A. , Stock Wendy , Patel Anand Ashwin
Published: December 2023

Data regarding the use of FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) inhibitors in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are lacking. We identified 14 patients with FLT3‐ or IDH1/2‐mutated ALL. Three early T‐cell precursor‐ALL patients received FLT3 or IDH2 inhibitors. Patient 1 maintains a complete remission (CR) with enasidenib after intolerance to chemotherapy. Patient 2 maintained a CR for 27 months after treatment with enasidenib for relapsed disease. Patient 3 was treated with venetoclax and gilteritinib at the time of relapse and maintained a CR with gilteritinib for 8 months. These cases suggest that FLT3 and IDH inhibitors could represent a viable therapeutic option for ALL patients with these mutations.
A quantitative pharmacology model for cannabinoid CB1 receptor mediated by Gi/Gs protein competition
Authors: Yang Liang , Finlay David B. , Green Hayley M. , Zhu Xiao , Glass Michelle , Duffull Stephen
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Orthosteric agonism of the CB1 receptor normally associates with Gi signalling resulting in a net inhibition of cAMP production. Empirical evidence shows CB1 causes a net cAMP stimulation through Gs coupling under two conditions: co‐stimulation with the D2 receptor and high‐level CB1 expression. Two hypotheses have been proposed to account for these paradoxical effects, (1) Gi is consumed by coupling to D2 or extra CB1 and excess CB1 binds to Gs and (2), the formation of dimers CB1‐CB1 or CB1‐D2 switches Gi/Gs preference. This study explored the mechanisms of Gi/Gs preference based on a mathematical model of the CB1 receptor.

Experimental Approach

The model was based on Hypothesis 1 and known mechanisms. The model was calibrated to align with multiple types of data (cAMP, Gi dissociation and internalisation). The key step of Hypothesis 1 was examined by simulation from the model. An experiment was proposed to distinguish Hypothesis 1 and 2.

Key Results

The model successfully descripted multiple types of data under Hypothesis 1. Simulations from the model indicated that precoupling of G protein with receptors is necessary for this hypothesis. The model designed experiments to distinguish Hypothesis 1 and 2 by increasing Gi & Gs in parallel with CB1 overexpression. The two hypotheses result in distinct cAMP responses.

Conclusion and Implications

A mathematical model of CB1‐regulated Gi/Gs pathways was developed. It indicated Hypothesis 1 is feasible and G protein precoupling is a key step causing cAMP signalling switch. The model‐designed experiments provided guides for future experimentation.
Orphan peptide and G protein‐coupled receptor signalling in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Anversa Roberta Goncalves , Maddern Xavier J. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Walker Leigh C.
Published: December 2023

Neuropeptides and G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been, and continue to be, one of the most popular target classes for drug discovery in CNS disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Yet, orphaned neuropeptide systems and receptors (oGPCR), which have no known cognate receptor or ligand, remain understudied in drug discovery and development. Orphan neuropeptides and oGPCRs are abundantly expressed within the brain and represent an unprecedented opportunity to address brain function and may hold potential as novel treatments for disease. Here, we describe the current literature regarding orphaned neuropeptides and oGPCRs implicated in AUD. Specifically, in this review, we focus on the orphaned neuropeptide cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART), and several oGPCRs that have been directly implicated in AUD (GPR6, GPR26, GPR88, GPR139, GPR158) and discuss their potential and pitfalls as novel treatments, and progress in identifying their cognate receptors or ligands.
Entrepreneurial alertness during severe crises: The effect on internal corporate venturing through business model innovation as a strategic response
Authors: Colson Maarten , Vandekerkhof Pieter , Marneffe Wim , Schepers Jelle
Published: December 2023

This study exploits a unique sample of 536 Belgian SME business owners, collected immediately after the first COVID‐19 lockdown, and provides new insights into how, during severe crises, business owners' entrepreneurial alertness functions as a critical strategic opportunity discovery skill for SMEs. Concretely, we find that entrepreneurial alertness can determine the emergence of a business model innovation (BMI) as a strategic response to severe crises, which then stimulates business owners' intent to start a new internal corporate venture (ICV). Creating such a new separate organizational entity within the structure of the existing firm can be strategically used as a tool to pursue the successful implementation of this BMI. Robustness and sensitivity analyses show that our results hold, and, in addition, we find that if business owners are lowly skilled in being able to be alert to discover innovative new opportunities for their firm, that this lack of skills negatively influences engaging in BMI and the subsequent intent to create such a new ICV to effectively implement the BMI. We discuss this study's contributions to the literature on BMI and (strategic) corporate venturing and address this study's practical implications.
Simplified Physical Model‐based Balance‐preserving Motion Re‐targeting for Physical Simulation
Authors: Hwang Jaepyung , Ishii Shin
Published: December 2023

In this study, we propose a novel motion re‐targeting framework that provides natural motions of target robot character models similar to the given source motions of a different skeletal structure. The natural target motion requires satisfying kinematic constraints to show a similar motion to the source motion although the kinematical structure between the source and the target character models differ from each other. Simultaneously, the target motion should maintain physically plausible features such as keeping the balance of the target character model. To handle the issue, we utilize a simple physics model (an inverted‐pendulum‐on‐a‐cart model) during the motion re‐targeting process. By interpreting the source motion's balancing property via the pendulum model, the target motion inherits the balancing property of the source motion. The inheritance is derived by performing the motion analysis to extract the necessary parameters for re‐targeting the pendulum model's motion pattern and parameter learning to estimate the suitable parameters for the target character model. Based on the simple physics inheritance, the proposed framework provides balance‐preserving target motions, even applicable to the full‐body physics simulation or a real robot control. We validate the framework by experimenting with motion re‐targeting from animal character and human character source models to the quadruped‐ and humanoid‐type target models with Muaythai punching, kicking and walking motions. We also implement comparisons with the existing methods to clarify the enhancement.
Establishment and validation of a prediction model for gestational diabetes
Authors: Wang Xia , He Caidie , Wu Nian , Tian Yingkuan , An Songlin , Chen Wei , Liu Xiang , Zhang Haonan , Xiong Shimin , Liu Yijun , Li Quan , Zhou Yuanzhong , Shen Xubo
Published: December 2023

Aim

To develop a visual prediction model for gestational diabetes (GD) in pregnant women and to establish an effective and practical tool for clinical application.

Methods

To establish a prediction model, the modelling set included 1756 women enrolled in the Zunyi birth cohort, the internal validation set included 1234 enrolled women, and pregnant women in the Wuhan cohort were included in the external validation set. We established a demographic–lifestyle factor model (DLFM) and a demographic–lifestyle–environmental pollution factor model (DLEFM) based on whether the women were exposed to environmental pollutants. The least absolute shrinkage and selection lasso–logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent predictors of GD and construct a nomogram for predicting its occurrence.

Results

The DLEFM regression analysis showed that a family history of diabetes (odd ratio [OR] 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐4.71), a history of GD in pregnant women (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.89‐9.41), being overweight or obese before pregnancy (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27‐2.29), a history of hypertension (OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.41‐4.72), sedentary time (h/day) (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.08‐1.24), monobenzyl phthalate (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.45‐2.67) and Q4 mono‐ethyl phthalate concentration (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.26‐2.73) were independent predictors. The area under the receiver operating curves for the internal validation of the DLEFM and the DLFM constructed using these seven factors was 0.827 and 0.783, respectively. The calibration curve of the DLEFM was close to the diagonal line. The DLEFM was thus the more optimal model, and the one which we chose.

Conclusions

A nomogram based on preconception factors was constructed to predict the occurrence of GD in the second and third trimesters. It provided an effective tool for the early prediction and timely management of GD.
Alanine to glycine ratio is a novel predictive biomarker for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee Kwang Seob , Lee Yong‐ho , Lee Sang‐Guk
Published: December 2023

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the metabolite ratios that could predict the clinical incidence or remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Methods

The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess 1813 individuals without T2D to test the predictive value of metabolite ratios for T2D incidence and 451 newly diagnosed T2D for remission. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best cut‐off values for the metabolite ratios. Survival analyses were performed to compare the four subgroups defined by baseline metabolite ratios and clinical status of obesity.

Results

The alanine/glycine was the most significant marker for T2D incidence (hazard ratio per SD: 1.24; p < .001). On the other hand, metabolite hydroxy sphingomyelin C22:2 was most specific for T2D remission (hazard ratio per SD: 1.32; p = .029). Survival analysis of T2D incidence among the subgroups defined by the combination of alanine/glycine and obesity showed the group with a high alanine/glycine and obesity had the highest risk of T2D incidence (p < .001). The alanine/glycine as a T2D risk marker was also validated in the independent external data.

Conclusions

The combination of obesity and the alanine/glycine ratio can be used to evaluate the diabetes risk.
Common genes and recurrent causative variants in 957 Asian patients with pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Kim Se Hee , Seo Jieun , Kwon Soon Sung , Teng Lip‐Yuen , Won DongJu , Shin Saeam , Lee Joon Soo , Lee Seung‐Tae , Choi Jong Rak , Kang Hoon‐Chul
Published: December 2023

Objective

We aimed to identify common genes and recurrent causative variants in a large group of Asian patients with different epilepsy syndromes and subgroups.

Methods

Patients with unexplained pediatric‐onset epilepsy were identified from the in‐house Severance Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Epilepsy Database. All patients underwent either exome sequencing or multigene panels from January 2017 to December 2019, at Severance Children's Hospital in Korea. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records.

Results

Of the 957 patients studied, 947 (99.0%) were Korean and 570 were male (59.6%). The median age at testing was 4.91 years (interquartile range, 1.53–9.39). The overall diagnostic yield was 32.4% (310/957). Clinical exome sequencing yielded a diagnostic rate of 36.9% (134/363), whereas the epilepsy panel yielded a diagnostic rate of 29.9% (170/569). Diagnostic yield differed across epilepsy syndromes. It was high in Dravet syndrome (87.2%, 41/47) and early infantile developmental epileptic encephalopathy (60.7%, 17/28), but low in West syndrome (21.8%, 34/156) and myoclonic‐atonic epilepsy (4.8%, 1/21). The most frequently implicated genes were SCN1A (n = 49), STXBP1 (n = 15), SCN2A (n = 14), KCNQ2 (n = 13), CDKL5 (n = 11), CHD2 (n = 9), SLC2A1 (n = 9), PCDH19 (n = 8), MECP2 (n = 6), SCN8A (n = 6), and PRRT2 (n = 5). The recurrent genetic abnormalities included 15q11.2 deletion/duplication (n = 9), Xq28 duplication (n = 5), PRRT2 deletion (n = 4), MECP2 duplication (n = 3), SCN1A, c.2556+3A>T (n = 3), and 2q24.3 deletion (n = 3).

Significance

Here we present the results of a large‐scale study conducted in East Asia, where we identified several common genes and recurrent variants that varied depending on specific epilepsy syndromes. The overall genetic landscape of the Asian population aligns with findings from other populations of varying ethnicities.
Spousal religious difference, marital satisfaction, and psychological well‐being of Chinese older adults
Authors: Li Jia , Wang Qi , Zhou Xiaochen
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aims to explore the associations between spousal religious difference (one religious and one nonreligious), marital satisfaction, and the psychological well‐being of middle‐aged and older Chinese adults.

Background

Both religion and marital relationships are critical in coping with aging‐related challenges.

Method

We adopted the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data, which collected a nationally representative sample of Chinese people over 45 years old. The sample included 1,285 adults (714 men and 571 women). Descriptive statistics, multiple regression models, and a path analysis based on generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) were adopted.

Results

Wives' marital satisfaction mediated spousal religious difference and psychological well‐being, including depression and life satisfaction. Marital satisfaction was associated with depression and life satisfaction for both genders, and wives' marital satisfaction had a stronger association with life satisfaction than husbands'.

Conclusions

Spousal religious difference has significant negative associations with marital satisfaction and psychological well‐being among middle‐aged and older people in China, especially among women.

Implication

Based on the results of this study, further research is needed to focus on the individual and interpersonal outcomes of religiosity in middle‐aged and older adults. In family therapy involving couples with different religious affiliations, counselors should pay attention to gender differences and prioritize addressing wives' marital satisfaction. Additionally, policies and services should also recognize the significant role of wives' marital satisfaction in the well‐being of such couples.
Postprocessing of tungsten carbide‐nickel preforms fabricated via binder jetting of sintered‐agglomerated powder
Authors: Mendoza Jimenez Edgar , Ehrman Olivia , Beuth Jack , Reeja‐Jayan B.
Published: December 2023

This study binder jets a tungsten carbide‐nickel (WC‐Ni) sintered‐agglomerated composite powder, and postprocesses the preforms using an initial sintering step followed by a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) step. The effects of sintering temperatures, sintering durations, and HIP temperatures on notable properties (e.g., porosity, microstructure, hardness, and oxidation behavior) are quantified. The highest average relative density produced in this study was 96.8%, and volumetric shrinkage of these coupons was about 64%. Microstructural characterization shows that the WC grains are homogenously distributed throughout the nickel matrix and grow to an average diameter of 1.6  (a 60% increase) during processing. X‐ray diffraction patterns indicate that no unwanted products were formed. Processed coupons achieved a maximum hardness of 54 Rockwell C, limited by their internal porosity. Oxidation tests result in the production of WO3 and NiWO4 at temperatures above 600°C. Methodologies and results from this study can be leveraged to additively manufacture highly dense, geometrically complex WC‐Ni parts with small carbide grains, low nickel content, desirable microstructure, and suitable functional properties.
Obstacles à la participation des Palestiniennes au marché du travail en Israël
Authors: MIAARI Sami H. , KHATTAB Nabil , SABBAH‐KARKABI Maha
Published: December 2023

Bien que les Palestiniennes vivant en Israël aient récemment vu leur niveau d'études progresser, elles restent moins présentes que les femmes juives sur le marché du travail. Les auteurs s'appuient sur des données de l'enquête sur la population active et de l'enquête sociale couvrant la période 1995‐2016 pour examiner les facteurs susceptibles d'expliquer cet écart – facteurs socio‐économiques et démographiques, religiosité, capital humain, structure familiale et politiques publiques, retraite anticipée. Ils constatent que tous ces facteurs influent sur la probabilité des Palestiniennes de participer au marché du travail, ce qui a des implications pour les politiques du marché du travail.
CEOs’ capital gains tax liabilities and accounting conservatism
Authors: Lonare Gunratan
Published: December 2023

Recent studies show that the tax‐induced lock‐in effect discourages CEOs from unwinding their unrestricted equity and subsequently exacerbates their risk‐aversion. I investigate how CEOs’ unrealized capital gains tax liabilities (tax burdens) influence financial reporting conservatism. I find that the demand for accounting conservatism decreases with CEO tax burdens. Further analyses show that the negative relation between CEO tax burden and conservatism is stronger when the firm has high leverage and high default risk and when the CEO's incentives are more aligned with equity holders. This highlights the shareholder–creditor agency conflicts mitigation role of CEO tax burdens in reducing creditors’ demand for conservatism. I exploit the Federal Taxpayer Reform Act of 1997 and staggered state‐level tax cuts that significantly decreased personal capital gains tax rates as identification strategies.
Improving methods of clinical practice guidelines: From guidelines to pathways to fast‐and‐frugal trees and decision analysis to develop individualised patient care
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , Hozo Iztok , Cuker Adam , Guyatt Gordon
Published: December 2023

Background

Current methods for developing clinical practice guidelines have several limitations: they are characterised by the “black box” operation—a process with defined inputs and outputs but an incomplete understanding of its internal workings; they have “the integration problem”—a lack of framework for explicitly integrating factors such as patient preferences and trade‐offs between benefits and harms; they generate one recommendation at a time that typically are not connected in a coherent analytical framework; and they apply to “average” patients, while clinicians and their patients seek advice tailored to individual circumstances.

Methods

We propose augmenting the current guideline development method by converting evidence‐based pathways into fast‐and‐frugal decision trees (FFTs) and integrating them with generalised decision curve analysis to formulate clear, individualised management recommendations.

Results

We illustrate the process by developing recommendations for the management of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We converted evidence‐based pathways for HIT, developed by the American Society of Hematology, into an FFT. Here, we consider only thrombotic complications and major bleeding. We leveraged the predictive potential of FFTs to compare the effects of argatroban, bivalirudin, fondaparinux, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) using generalised decision curve analysis. We found that DOACs were superior to other treatments if the FFT‐predicted probability of HIT exceeded 3%.

Conclusions

The proposed analytical framework connects guidelines, pathways, FFTs, and decision analysis, offering risk‐tailored personalised recommendations and addressing current guideline development critiques.
Coffee and caffeine intake reduces risk of ulcerative colitis: a case–control study in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Okubo Hitomi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Nagata Chisato , Furukawa Shinya , Andoh Akira , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Yoshimura Naoki , Mori Kenichiro , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Saito Mitsuru , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Imaeda Hirotsugu , Kakimoto Kazuki , Higuchi Kazuhide , Nunoi Hiroaki , Mizukami Yuji , Suzuki Seiyuu , Hiraoka Sakiko , Okada Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Keitarou , Higashiyama Masaaki , Hokari Ryota , Miura Hiromasa , Miyake Teruki , Kumagi Teru , Kato Hiromasa , Hato Naohito , Sayama Koji , Hiasa Yoichi ,   Japan Ulcerative Colitis Study Group
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Although diet is one of the potential environmental factors affecting ulcerative colitis (UC), evidence is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. This Japanese case–control study examined the association between the consumption of coffee, other caffeine‐containing beverages and food, and total caffeine and the risk of UC.

Methods

The study involved 384 UC cases and 665 control subjects. Intake of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, carbonated soft drinks, and chocolate snacks was measured with a semiquantitative food‐frequency questionnaire. Adjustments were made for sex, age, pack‐years of smoking, alcohol consumption, history of appendicitis, family history of UC, education level, body mass index, and intake of vitamin C, retinol, and total energy.

Results

Higher consumption of coffee and carbonated soft drinks was associated with a reduced risk of UC with a significant dose–response relationship (P for trend for coffee and carbonated soft drinks were <0.0001 and 0.01, respectively), whereas higher consumption of chocolate snacks was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC. No association was observed between consumption of decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, or oolong tea and the risk of UC. Total caffeine intake was inversely associated with the risk of UC; the adjusted odds ratio between extreme quartiles was 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.67; P for trend <0.0001).

Conclusions

We confirmed that intake of coffee and caffeine is also associated with a reduced risk of UC in Japan where people consume relatively low quantities of coffee compared with Western countries.
Midwifery and APRN Scope of Practice in Abortion Care in the Early Post‐Roe Era: Everything Old Is New Again
Authors: Jenkins Julie , Pitney Christie , Nuzzo Morgan , Eagen‐Torkko Meghan
Published: December 2023

Over the past 10 years, there has been a rapid expansion of legal and legislative changes in abortion care provision for advanced practice clinicians (APCs), including nurse practitioners, midwives, and physician associates (formerly physician assistants), with most of that expansion occurring in the last several years. This expansion has occurred via several routes (eg, legislative, popular vote, court decision, attorney general opinion), and the patchwork of legal statuses nationally creates confusion for clinicians who are unclear on current regulations. This review explores the historical context of abortion practice for APCs, as well as the primary philosophical and legal concepts relevant to this role development. Since 2012, the number of states permitting abortion practice by APCs has more than quintupled, and the changes to abortion law in the United States in the wake of the 2022 Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Center creates a new imperative to understand the role of APCs in accessing abortion care. Additionally, although the research on abortion safety for APC abortion providers is well‐established, the physician‐centered paradigm of abortion care has limited the ability of APCs to develop expertise in this essential public and clinical health service.
Sexual quality of life between healthy women and women with gynecological cancer: Results of a hospital‐based case–control study in Türkiye
Authors: Ören Ekin Dila Topaloğlu , Kiziltaş Selin
Published: December 2023

Background

Gynecological cancers among women were both chronic and vitally health problems. The increasing prevalence of women with surviving gynecological cancers and the receiving treatments of cancer negatively affected the sexual quality of life.

Aim

The study was conducted to determine the sexual quality of life of healthy women and women with gynecological cancer and to determine the predictors of sexual quality of life in women with gynecological cancer.

Methods

The research is a hospital‐based case–control study was conducted. The study was carried out with 65 patients with histologically confirmed gynecological cancer were compared with 75 controls, who were admitted to the different departments of the same hospital in the Izmir, in western Türkiye.

Results

The Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire score (SQOL) of cases was 60.12 ± 9.01 and controls was 78.92 ± 7.08. SQOL scores of cases were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis results showed that age (B = −0.295, p = 0.072), working (B = 4.981, p = 0.016), smoking (B = −4.590, p = 0.035), diagnosed with cervical cancer (B = −4.214, p = 0.045), and receiving chemotherapy (B = −4.722, p = 0.028) were associated with sexual quality of life in women with gynecological cancer (p < 0.05, R2: 0.40).

Conclusion

Women with gynecological cancer had lower quality of sex life compared with healthy women. Gynecological cancers negatively affect women's sexual quality of life. Health professionals (especially nurses) should be aware of the potential problems that women with gynecological cancer may experience with their sexual lives. They should develop coping strategies and offer solutions for the problems experienced by women with gynecological cancer.
Adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in women with history of recurrent spontaneous abortion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jia Dan , Sun Fengdan , Han Sisi , Lu Lijuan , Sun Yuanyuan , Song Qingxia
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and adverse outcomes in women with spontaneous conception.

Methods

A search strategy from the inception to March 3, 2023 was run in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The odds ratio (OR), and the 95% confidence interval (CI) or point estimation were used as the evaluation indexes. Each outcome measure tested was assessed for heterogeneity using the Cochran Q test. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the credibility of the meta‐analysis results.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 1 475 389 pregnant women were included. A history of RSA was associated with gestational diabetes (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.70–2.87, p < 0.001), preeclampsia (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.49–2.86, p < 0.001), placenta previa (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.09–3.02, p = 0.021), placental abruption (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.36–2.06, p < 0.001), miscarriage (OR: 6.37, 95% CI: 3.83–10.57, p < 0.001), preterm birth (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.36–2.37, p < 0.001), cesarean section (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: (1.13–1.91, p = 0.004), perinatal death (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.39–3.60, p = 0.001), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.92, p = 0.047). However, the associations of a history of RSA with gestational hypertension, small for gestational age, fetal anomalies, fetal growth restriction, and postpartum hemorrhage were not observed.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis indicates a history of RSA was associated with increased risks of several adverse outcomes in pregnant women with spontaneous conception.
Preliminary study of HPV integration status on the occurrence and development of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Yuan Shuning , Qian Cheng , Zhang Hailong , Xing Yan
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate how the integration status of HPV in the vaginal epithelium affects the development of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN).

Methods

Twenty‐four vaginal tissues were collected before applying high‐throughput viral integration detection (HIVID), medical records of them were documented, including age, thin‐prep cytologic test (TCT) and HPV test results, colposcopic biopsy pathology, and other clinical data, such as history of total hysterectomy for cervical lesions, whether they were infected with HPV16/18 with a follow‐up span of 2 years. We summarized the distribution of HPV integration on the host chromosome and HPV type, as well as the hotspot integration gene and its role in the development of VaIN.

Results

In this study, 24 cases suffered from VaIN were involved. HPV integration was detected in 11 cases; furthermore, we discovered HPV 16 and 73, chromosome 1 and 2 possessed most HPV integration sites while EMBP1, CLO5A1, EHF, ELF5 as dominate hot spots. Taken clinical outcome into account, we found a significant difference between HPV integration occurrence and VaIN (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

(1) This study found a statistical difference between HPV integration and the occurrence of VaIN; (2) HPV integration may provide a new clinical predictor for VaIN and facilitate risk assessment and stratified management of high‐risk patients.
Going the Extra Mile: How High School Staff Use Informal Strategies to Support, Protect, and Care for LGBTQ+ Students*
Authors: Dougherty Michelle , Plenn Eion R. , Corey Stephanie L. , Onufer Lindsay , Coulter Robert W. S. ,   Coulter Lab Qualitative Team
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

High school staff can play a key role in supporting students with LGBTQ+ identities through informal strategies; however, more research is needed to understand how staff are employing these strategies.

METHODS

We conducted semi‐structured interviews, collecting information on informal strategies used to support students identifying as LGBTQ+ from a diverse sample of 23 school staff from high schools across the United States.

RESULTS

Staff employed informal support strategies across social ecological levels: within the school community, staff interacted with parents/guardians of students and advocated for more inclusive policies. Within the classroom, staff created inclusive physical environments, implemented inclusive curricula, and employed bullying prevention strategies. Interpersonally, staff listened to and affirmed students and collaborated to employ support strategies. Intrapersonal qualities, including having a personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrating open‐mindedness, facilitated staff efforts to support students.

CONCLUSIONS

Supporting staff in the implementation of the strategies we identified could foster more inclusive school environments, advancing equity for students identifying as LGBTQ+.
Natural history of symptoms and prognostic information of the rapid drink challenge and solid bolus swallows in esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction defined by manometry
Authors: Josefsson Axel , Simrén Magnus , Smolak Adam , Sabbagh Nour , Törnblom Hans
Published: December 2023

Background/Introduction

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a condition characterized by poor relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can manifest as dysphagia and chest pain. The best treatment of EGJOO is unknown as some patients improve without any specific therapy, whereas some patients undergo invasive therapy. Currently, prognostic factors are lacking. We aimed to assess the long‐term prognosis and predictors of dysphagia and chest pain by the rapid drink challenge and solid bolus swallows in EGJOO.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed high‐resolution esophageal manometries (HRM) performed at our center between 2015 and 2018. The patients completed a dysphagia and chest pain questionnaire a median of 34 months after the HRM/baseline assessment, including the Impaction dysphagia questionnaire‐10 (IDQ‐10) complemented with questions regarding chest pain and esophageal treatments. Symptoms were compared with HRM findings.

Results

In all, 980 HRMs were analyzed and 66 (6.5%) were identified as having HRM findings compatible with EGJOO. Of these, 27 patients with EGJOO (41%) completed the follow‐up questionnaires and had no exclusion criteria, and 70% of these patients had dysphagia and 44% chest pain at least once a week. Dysphagia at follow‐up was more common in patients with elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on all three HRM metrics (water swallows, solid bolus swallows, and rapid drink challenge) (p = 0.03, odds ratio: 8.4 (95% CI: 1.2–56.0)), but this was not seen for chest pain (p = 0.45). Abnormal motility patterns on rapid drink challenge or solid bolus swallows were not associated with dysphagia or chest pain at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Having a high IRP on three HRM metrics—water swallows, solid bolus swallows, and rapid drink challenge—is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with EGJOO and could potentially be used to select candidates suitable for invasive procedures.
The impact of Republican CEO ideology and political alignment on R&D spending and business performance
Authors: Guo Chiquan , Hossain Md Noman , Kroll Mark J. , Elnahas Ahmed , Ater Brandon
Published: December 2023

Based on a sample of firms in the S&P 1500 index covering the years 1993 to 2016, we find that firms with Republican CEOs spend less on R&D compared to their Democratic counterparts. However, Republican CEOs ratchet up their R&D spending when a Republican is in the Oval Office. Furthermore, we find that R&D spending is negatively related to return on assets (ROA), which is indicative of the risky nature of R&D spending, but R&D is positively related to Tobin Q, a longer‐term performance measure. As a consequence, when Republican CEOs manage under a Republican president, the effect of accelerated R&D spending is to send ROA lower, owing to the short‐term negative effect of R&D spending. Additionally, due to overspending on R&D by Republican CEOs under a Republican president, the generally positive effect of R&D on Tobin Q is weakened. It seems social capital has its dark side as it can mislead CEOs to make opportunistic but unwise R&D spending decisions. Overall, Republican CEOs, relative to Democratic CEOs, have higher short‐term performance (ROA), and lower long‐term performance (Tobin Q) owing to reduced R&D spending. Our results have research, managerial, and policy implications.
Natural fermentation of plant tissues as environmental remediation materials to improve soil and enhance plant resistance to cadmium stress
Authors: Zhenggang Xu , Kangkang Jiang , Yue Yang , Soomro Shakeel A. , Tianyu Wang , Chenhao Li , Shen Yang , Yunlin Zhao , Guiyan Yang
Published: December 2023

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a serious threat to various ecosystems, and phytoremediation is an alternate method for developing the soil health. To better utilize phytoremediation for Cd‐contaminated soil remediation, the ginkgo leaves, pine needles, and Eucommia bark were mixed and naturally fermented to obtain Ginkgo biloba–Pinus massoniana–Eucommia ulmoides (GPE) Jiaosu and Jiaosu residue, whose effects on Broussonetia papyrifera planted in Cd‐contaminated soil were evaluated. The results showed that the contents of the protein, phenolic, vitamin E, and alcohol of GPE Jiaosu were 4400 ± 0.46, 0.22 ± 0.01, 0.88 ± 0.24, and 4.63 ± 0.25 μL/mL, accordingly, with fine antioxidant activity. The soil pH, electrical conductivity content, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkali‐hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and Cd concentration were all significantly (p < 0.05) modified. The chlorophyll content of B. papyrifera was increased by using Jiaosu residue in 12 hours, while the promotion effect of Jiaosu appeared in the later stage (60 days). The Cd tolerance physiological indexes such as malondialdehyde content and antioxidant enzymes' activity were all regulated. Applying the Jiaosu residue, the Cd in stems was decreased by 72.61% under 1000 mg/kg Cd treatment. These results suggested that GPE Jiaosu and Jiaosu residue can improve the properties of Cd‐contaminated soil, promote the Cd tolerance of B. papyrifera, and affect the Cd migration. The current study provides a new bioremediation method using the Jiaosu and Jiaosu residue as Cd environmental remediation materials in a recyclable pathway, which is a circular and healthy development concept that integrates economic, ecological, and social significance.