bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequencing Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Matched-Pairs Trial
Authors: Blechschmied Roland , Hermse Matthijs , Gäbler Martijn , Elferink-Gemser Marije , Hortobágyi Tibor , Granacher Urs
Published: May 2024

Background

Various physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players.

Methods

Fifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested.

Results

Data from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p < 0.001, d = 0.76) with ES showing greater improvements (p = 0.006, d = 0.85, Δ-5%).

Conclusions

Both CT-sequencing types improved performance in the tests administered. The intrasession CT sequencing (SE vs. ES) appears not to have a major impact on physical fitness adaptations, except for linear sprint speed which was in favor of ES.
Pre- and post-operative voice therapy for benign vocal fold lesions: protocol for a non-randomised, multicentre feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation
Authors: White Anna , Carding Paul , Booth Vicky , McGlashan Julian , Van Stan Jarrad , Logan Pip , Awad Rehab
Published: May 2024

Background

Management of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) is variable with individuals receiving surgery, voice therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Some evidence suggests that the best outcomes may be achieved when patients are offered pre- and post-operative voice therapy in addition to phonosurgery, but what constitutes pre- and post-operative voice therapy is poorly described. The pre- and post-operative voice therapy (PAPOV) intervention has been developed and described according to the TIDieR checklist and Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) for voice. The PAPOV intervention is delivered by specialist speech and language therapists trained in the intervention and comprises 7 essential and 4 additional components, delivered in voice therapy sessions with patients who are having surgery on their vocal folds for removal of BVFLs.

Study design

Non-randomised, multicentre feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation.

Method

Forty patients from two sites who are due to undergo phonosurgery will be recruited to receive the PAPOV intervention. Measures of feasibility, including recruitment, retention, and adherence, will be assessed. The feasibility of gathering clinical and cost effectiveness data will be measured pre-treatment, then at 3 and 6 months post-operatively. An embedded process evaluation will be undertaken to explain feasibility findings.

Discussion

This study will assess the feasibility of delivering a described voice therapy intervention protocol to patients who are undergoing surgery for removal of BVFLs. Findings will be used to inform the development and implementation of a subsequent effectiveness trial, should this be feasible.

Trial registration

This trial has been prospectively registered on ISRCTN (date 4th January 2023), registration number 17438192, and can be viewed here: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17438192.
Evaluation of minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation as an evolving modality for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures
Authors: Aziz Mohamed M. , Radwan Hesham , Basha Ahmed Kamel , Eldawoody Hany
Published: May 2024

Background

Percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation was recently introduced as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture. This approach is superior to the traditional open surgical approaches in decreasing intraoperative blood loss, infection rates, and paraspinal muscle damage with less hospital stay.

Objective

This study aims to report our surgical experience, the feasibility and safety of percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation of thoracolumbar spine fractures.

Method

we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all adult patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures who underwent percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation during the period between January 2020 to January 2023 at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Prince Mohamed Ibn Abdelaziz Hospital. Collected data included: demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological assessment, radiological data including type of fracture and cobb’s angle pre- and postoperatively, operative time and amount of intraoperative blood loss.

Results

Forty-three percutaneous pedicle screw fixation procedures were done for 42 patients. Thirty patients were males. Dorsal spine fractures accounted for 18 cases. Preoperative American spinal injury Association score was E in 37 cases. Mean operative time was 133 min (± 46.5), and mean intraoperative blood loss was 107.1 ml (± 84). The mean follow-up period was 8 months, and the average hospital stay was 7.7 days. Radiological complete bony fusion was achieved in 77% of fractures, and 93% had improved kyphotic angle with a mean correction degree of 7.9 (± 9).

Conclusion

Percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation is a safe and effective treatment option for the management of thoracolumbar spine fractures with or without spine decompression that provides satisfactory functional outcomes.
Comparative study of two laboratory techniques for the detection of HLA-B27 in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: dos Santos Angeli Ricardo , Ribeiro André Lucas , Kohem Charles Lubianca , Xavier Ricardo Machado , Monticielo Odirlei André
Published: May 2024

Background

The diagnostic and prognostic relevance of Human Leukocyte Antigen B-27 (HLA-B27) in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is undeniable, with 70% of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients carrying the B27 gene, contrasted with a mere 4.35% in the general population. Flow cytometry (FC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have emerged as the predominant techniques for routine HLA-B27 typing. While various studies have compared these methods, none have catered to the unique characteristics of the Brazilian demographic. Therefore, this research aims to compare FC and PCR in a Brazilian cohort diagnosed with AxSpA.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 62 AxSpA outpatients from a Brazilian University Hospital. Both FC and PCR-SSP assays were utilized to ascertain HLA-B27 typing. The outcomes (either confirming or refuting the allele’s presence) underwent rigorous scrutiny. Agreement between the methodologies was assessed using the kappa statistic. A p-value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results

Of the participants, 90.3% (n = 56) were HLA-B27 positive according to FC, while 79% (n = 49) were identified as positive using the PCR method. FC exhibited a sensitivity rate of 98% paired with a specificity of 38.5%. The Positive Predictive Value for FC stood at 85.7%, and the Negative Predictive Value was 83.5%. Consequently, the overall accuracy of the FC method was gauged at 85.5%. A kappa coefficient of κ = 0.454 was derived.

Conclusions

FC demonstrated noteworthy sensitivity and satisfactory accuracy in HLA-B27 detection, albeit with a reduced specificity when contrasted with PCR-SSP. Nevertheless, given its cost-effectiveness and streamlined operation relative to PCR, FC remains a pragmatic option for preliminary screening in clinical practice, especially in low-income regions. To optimize resource allocation, we advocate for a refined algorithm that initiates by assessing the relevance of HLA-B27 typing based on Choosing Wisely recommendations. It then leans on FC, and, if results are negative yet clinical suspicion persists, advances to PCR. This approach aims to balance diagnostic accuracy and financial prudence, particularly in regions contending with escalating medical costs.
Cardiac myxoma and cerebral vasculitis: Is there a link?
Authors: El-Mhadi Samah , El Hajjaj Belghait , Benatmane Asmae , El Harrak Mariam , Ahchouch Sara , Elktaibi Abderrahim , Nya Fouad , Mouine Najat , Benyass Aatif
Published: May 2024

Background

Cardiac myxomas present a diagnostic challenge due to their ability to mimic various cardiovascular and systemic conditions. Timely identification is crucial for implementing surgical intervention and averting life-threatening complications.

Case presentation

We reported the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented sudden legs weakness and slurred speech and was admitted 10 h later in emergency department. Physical examination was significant for paraparesis and paraphasia. Cardiac and carotid auscultation was normal. CT brain revealed multiple acute ischemic strokes and MRA was suggestive of cerebral vasculitis. As pre-therapy assessment, the EKG revealed no electrical abnormalities and the chest X-ray showed signs of left atrial enlargement. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed a left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum, measuring 9*5*4 cm and extending into the left ventricular cavity during diastole, which suggested the diagnosis of left atrial myxoma. The patient was referred for open-heart surgery and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. The patient weaned off from cardiopulmonary bypass and the postoperative period was uneventful.

Conclusion

We reported an interesting case with an unusual and misleading neurological presentation of a cardiac myxoma. The unpredictability of serious complications occurrence must awaken our medical flair, for an early diagnosis among a long list of differentials.
Vertebral compression fracture as the only presentation sign of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Kanaan Dana , Abuzraiq Reem , Abu-Aqoulah Abdullah , Al-Thiabat Hanan , Al-Sweedan Suleimman
Published: May 2024

Background

Pathological fractures in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are uncommon, but our case highlights the possibility of it being an unusual presentation even in the absence of abnormal laboratory values. The importance of recognizing such rare manifestations cannot be overstated, as early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Case presentation

Here, we share a case study of a 7-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after experiencing vertebral fractures. Interestingly, the patient was found to have osteoporosis before being diagnosed with ALL. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusions

In short, discovering acute lymphoblastic leukemia can be challenging. It is important to remain vigilant in recognizing atypical signs to ensure early detection and the best possible outcome. We describe a case with ALL that was presented with compression vertebral fracture. This highlights the significance of imaging studies in pediatric cases, particularly for musculoskeletal abnormalities related to serious pathologies, most notably malignancies, which may be the only way to diagnose patients presenting with vague symptoms.
Low-grade chronic inflammation and transcriptomics: how molecular pharmacognosy can help find new natural treatment alternatives—a narrative review
Authors: Fioranelli Massimo , Roccia Maria Grazia , Przybylek Bianca , Sconci Francesca Romana , Garo Maria Luisa
Published: May 2024

Background

The inflammatory response is fundamental to the maintenance of an organism’s physiological homeostasis. Inflammation is controlled by a series of biological events driven by specific inflammatory molecules. When inflammation is within the homeostatic range, it is considered physiological; however, it becomes pathological when it exceeds the immune system’s homeostatic control.

Main text

Nowadays, the treatment of chronic pathological inflammation is a challenge for pharmacology, as current anti-inflammatory drugs are intended to control acute inflammation. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the role of molecular pharmacognosy and to demonstrate how current transcriptomics techniques can make an important contribution to the study of the biological functions of natural products in the context of multicomponent/multitarget medication. From our findings, although very few studies have been identified, encouraging results for low-grade chronic inflammations (LGCIs) of various causes emerged in recent transcriptomic studies on multicomponent medicinal products composed of plant and organ extracts at the level of the skin and the musculoskeletal system (Traumeel: Tr14), the liver (Lycopodium compositum: HC-24), and the joints (Zeel-T: Ze-14).

Conclusion

For adequate control of LGCI, molecular pharmacognosy may be an effective approach to exploring potentially useful herbal agents that are consistent with both physiotherapeutic tradition and modern pharmacology.
Impact of motivation on the job performance of public sector employees: the case of Morocco
Authors: Elamalki Driss , Kaddar Abdelilah , Beniich Nadia
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the driving forces behind job performance in Morocco's public sector amid its latest reforms. Despite extensive research on motivation and job performance, the unique dynamics within this sector, particularly following recent legislative changes, still need to be explored. This study links job performance to an incentive-based system by examining the roles of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in enhancing employee performance. Employing qualitative methodology, this study explores how incentives and motivation impact job performance. Data collected via a structured questionnaire are analyzed using structural equation modeling to elucidate the connections between work performance, motivation, and incentives. These findings highlight the significance of transparent human resource policies, comprehensive incentive systems, appropriate performance metrics, and robust leadership in cultivating a motivated and high-performing workforce.
Entrepreneurship and environments of international crisis: a bibliometric analysis approach
Authors: Estrada-Cruz Marina , Mira-Solves Ignacio , Martinez-Mateo Jesus
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Entrepreneurial spirit is considered a vital resource for the economy in various countries where entrepreneurs found businesses. It is thus crucial to analyze the relationship between entrepreneurship and global crises, as entrepreneurial initiatives can be affected by the economic instability that crises generate. This study uses bibliometric analysis to explore the topic of entrepreneurship in situations of global crisis.

Theoretical framework

Starting from the structure of bibliometric analysis, we analyzed 1111 documents retrieved from the Scopus and WoS databases for the years 2000–2023.

Methodology

We characterized the documents studied and analyzed citations, co-citations, co-words, and co-authorship using VOSviewer software.

Results/implications

Our analysis produced results on networks among authors and countries. We also obtained significant results on the structure of the field studied and its projection for the future. Finally, we propose implications and opportunities for future lines of research.
The impact of the exodus of big pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria on antimicrobial resistance in the West African subregion
Authors: Ezeagu Chiamaka Norah , Omoleke Semeeh Akinwale , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem
Published: May 2024

The departure of pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria — a major source of antimicrobial drug supply in West Africa — increases the risk of an elevated burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria and the West Africa subregion. Urgent actions must be taken by relevant actors to address the increased risk of AMR.
TSH Trajectories During Levothyroxine Treatment in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) Cohort
Authors: Ettleson Matthew D , Penna Gustavo C E , Wan Wen , Benseñor Isabela M , Laiteerapong Neda , Bianco Antonio C
Published: May 2024

Context

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) trajectory classification represents a novel approach to defining the adequacy of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment for hypothyroidism over time.

Objective

This is a proof of principle study that uses longitudinal clinical data, including thyroid hormone levels from a large prospective study to define classes of TSH trajectories and examine changes in cardiovascular (CV) health markers over the study period.

Methods

Growth mixture modeling (GMM), including latent class growth analysis (LCGA), was used to classify LT4-treated individuals participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) based on serial TSH levels. Repeated measure analyses were then utilized to assess within-class changes in blood pressure, lipid levels, hemoglobin A1c, and CV-related medication utilization.

Results

From the 621 LT4-treated study participants, the best-fit GMM approach identified 4 TSH trajectory classes, as defined by their relationship to the normal TSH range: (1) high–high normal TSH, (2) normal TSH, (3) normal to low TSH, and (4) low to normal TSH. Notably, the average baseline LT4 dose was lowest in the high–high normal TSH group (77.7 µg, P < .001). There were no significant differences in CV health markers between the classes at baseline. At least 1 significant difference in CV markers occurred in all classes, highlighted by the low to normal class, in which total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and A1c all increased significantly (P = .049, P < .001, P < .001, and P = .001, respectively). Utilization of antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetes medications increased in all classes.

Conclusion

GMM/LCGA represents a viable approach to define and examine LT4 treatment by TSH trajectory. More comprehensive datasets should allow for more complex trajectory modeling and analysis of clinical outcome differences between trajectory classes.
Characterizing 24-Hour Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression Alongside Metabolic and Endocrine Responses Under Diurnal Conditions
Authors: Smith Harry A , Templeman Iain , Davis Max , Slater Tommy , Clayton David J , Varley Ian , James Lewis J , Middleton Benita , Johnston Jonathan D , Karagounis Leonidas G , Tsintzas Kostas , Thompson Dylan , Gonzalez Javier T , Walhin Jean-Philippe , Betts James A
Published: May 2024

Context

Skeletal muscle plays a central role in the storage, synthesis, and breakdown of nutrients, yet little research has explored temporal responses of this human tissue, especially with concurrent measures of systemic biomarkers of metabolism.

Objective

To characterize temporal profiles in skeletal muscle expression of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, circadian clocks, and autophagy and descriptively relate them to systemic metabolites and hormones during a controlled laboratory protocol.

Methods

Ten healthy adults (9M/1F, [mean ± SD] age 30 ± 10 years; BMI 24.1 ± 2.7 kg·m−2) rested in the laboratory for 37 hours with all data collected during the final 24 hours (08:00–08:00 hours). Participants ingested hourly isocaloric liquid meal replacements alongside appetite assessments during waking before a sleep opportunity from 22:00 to 07:00 hours. Blood samples were collected hourly for endocrine and metabolite analyses, with muscle biopsies occurring every 4 hours from 12:00 to 08:00 hours the following day to quantify gene expression.

Results

Plasma insulin displayed diurnal rhythmicity peaking at 18:04 hours. Expression of skeletal muscle genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism (Name, Acrophase [hours]: GLUT4, 14:40; PPARGC1A, 16:13; HK2, 18:24) and lipid metabolism (FABP3, 12:37; PDK4, 05:30; CPT1B, 12:58) displayed 24-hour rhythmicity that reflected the temporal rhythm of insulin. Equally, circulating glucose (00:19 hours), nonesterified fatty acids (04:56), glycerol (04:32), triglyceride (23:14), urea (00:46), C-terminal telopeptide (05:07), and cortisol (22:50) concentrations also all displayed diurnal rhythmicity.

Conclusion

Diurnal rhythms were present in human skeletal muscle gene expression as well systemic metabolites and hormones under controlled diurnal conditions. The temporal patterns of genes relating to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism alongside circulating insulin are consistent with diurnal rhythms being driven in part by the diurnal influence of cyclic feeding and fasting.
National Population Growth Rate, Its Components, and Subnational Contributions: A Research Note
Authors: Canudas-Romo Vladimir , Shen Tianyu , Payne Collin F.
Published: May 2024

A population's current growth rate is determined jointly by changes in fertility, mortality, and migration. This overall growth rate is also the average of age-specific growth rates, which can be decomposed into the result of historical changes in fertility, mortality, and migration. However, doing so requires more than 100 years of historical data, meaning that such analyses are possible only in a select few populations. In this research note, we propose an adapted version of the variable-r model to measure contributions to the population growth rate for countries with shorter demographic series. In addition, we extend this model to explore the contribution of subnational changes to the national population growth rate. Our results demonstrate that the age-specific growth rates obtained from short historical series, say 25 years, closely match those of the longer series. These abbreviated age-specific growth rates closely resemble the growth rate at birth of their respective cohorts, which is the major determinant of population growth, except at older ages where mortality becomes the main explanatory element. Exploring subnational populations, we find considerable heterogeneity in the age profile of the components of growth and find that the most populous regions tend to have an outsized impact on national-level growth.
“The Worse Element”
Authors: Carney Christina
Published: May 2024

This article offers an example of how the convergence of discourses on “white slavery” and social hygiene led to the disproportionate criminalization, displacement, and detention of Black sex workers by authorities in early twentieth-century San Diego. The city’s large military presence, proximity to the US-Mexico border, and interracial sociality (between white, immigrant, and nonwhite communities) led to the regulation of its interracial sex tourism industry. As the city prepared for its first major military project, the Panama-California Exposition of 1915, public health officials demolished tenement housing for plumbing violations and followed with the compulsory quarantining of sex workers, couched in concerns about venereal disease. The sexual policing of Black sex workers by local, state, and military authorities was underpinned by discourses that imagined Black women as risks to public health and white women’s virtue in the US-Mexico border town.
Endoscopic Endonasal Internal Carotid Artery Transposition Technique in Tumor With Parasellar Extension: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Xiao Limin , Wu Bowen , Ding Han , He Yulin , Wu Xiao , Xie Shenhao , Tang Bin , Hong Tao
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Lateralization or mobilization of the internal carotid artery (ICA) during a midline approach is required to expose lesions behind or lateral to the ICA. However, there have been no published data regarding the surgical outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal internal carotid transposition technique (EEITT). This study aimed to analyze the relevant surgical anatomy around the ICA and propose a grading scheme of EEITT.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of patients who underwent EEITT at a single institution was performed. Based on structures that limited the ICA and intraoperative findings, an anatomically surgical grading scheme of EEITT was proposed.

RESULTS:

Forty-two patients (mean age 45.6 years, 57.1% female patients) were included. Of them, 29 cases (69.0%) were Knosp grade 4 pituitary adenoma, 6 cases (14.3%) were chordoma, 6 cases (14.3%) were meningioma, and a single case (2.4%) was meningeal IgG4-related disease. The EEITT was categorized into Grades 1, 2 and 3, which was used in 24 (57.1%), 12 (28.6%), and 6 (14.3%) cases, respectively. The most common symptom was visual disturbance (45.2%). The gross total resection rate in Grade 1 (79.2%) and Grade 2 (83.3%) was much higher than that in Grade 3 (66.6%). The overall rate of visual function improvement, preoperative cranial nerve (CN) palsy improvement, and postoperative hormonal remission was 89.4%, 85.7%, and 88.9%, respectively. The rate for the following morbidities was cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 2.4%; permanent diabetes insipidus, 4.8%; new transient CN palsy, 9.5%; permanent CN palsy, 4.7%; panhypopituitarism, 7.1%; and ICA injury, 2.4%.

CONCLUSION:

The EEITT is technically feasible and could be graded according to the extent of disconnection of limiting structures. For complex tumor with parasellar extensions, the distinction into Grades 1, 2, and 3 will be of benefit to clinicians in predicting risks, avoiding complications, and generating tailored individualized surgical strategies.
Effect of Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Stent Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Li Bei , Bian Qiang , Li Heju , He Yingkun , Chen Songtao , Zhang Kun , Wang Ziliang
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have exhibited promising results in coronary and peripheral artery diseases, but conclusive evidence is lacking in intracranial vasculature. We assessed the safety and efficacy of DCBs vs stent angioplasty for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) and initially identified patients who might have benefited most from DCB treatment.

METHODS:

A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 with 154 patients with sICAS divided into 2 treatment groups: a DCB group (with or without remedial stenting, n = 47) and a stent group (n = 107). The treatment outcomes were compared using 1:2 propensity score matching. The primary safety end point was perioperative stroke or mortality, and the primary efficacy end point was the rate of target vessel restenosis at 12 months. The degree of luminal change was analyzed as a subgroup, defined as the difference between the degree of stenosis at follow-up and immediately after intervention.

RESULTS:

One hundred eighteen patients were enrolled using propensity score matching, with 43 patients in the DCB group and 75 in the stent group. The incidence of perioperative adverse events was 2.3% in the DCB group and 8.0% in the stent group (P = .420). At a median follow-up of 12 months, the incidence of restenosis (11.9% [5/43] vs 28.0% [21/75], P = .045) and the median degree of stenosis (30% [20%, 44%] vs 30% [30%, 70%], P = .009, CI [0-0.01, 0.2]) were significantly lower in the DCB group than in the stent group. DCB angioplasty effectively prevented adverse events in the target vessel area and significantly reduced the degree of luminal change in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (0 [0, 15%] vs 10% [0, 50%], P = .016).

CONCLUSION:

DCB angioplasty might be a safe and effective alternative to stent angioplasty to treat sICAS, particularly among patients with M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery stenosis.
Nitrogen availability is important for preventing catastrophic mitosis in fission yeast
Authors: Zemlianski Viacheslav , Marešová Anna , Princová Jarmila , Holič Roman , Häsler Robert , Ramos del Río Manuel José , Lhoste Laurane , Zarechyntsava Maryia , Převorovský Martin
Published: May 2024

Mitosis is a crucial stage in the cell cycle, controlled by a vast network of regulators responding to multiple internal and external factors. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe demonstrates catastrophic mitotic phenotypes due to mutations or drug treatments. One of the factors provoking catastrophic mitosis is a disturbed lipid metabolism, resulting from, for example, mutations in the acetyl-CoA/biotin carboxylase (cut6), fatty acid synthase (fas2, also known as lsd1) or transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism (cbf11) genes, as well as treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid synthesis. It has been previously shown that mitotic fidelity in lipid metabolism mutants can be partially rescued by ammonium chloride supplementation. In this study, we demonstrate that mitotic fidelity can be improved by multiple nitrogen sources. Moreover, this improvement is not limited to lipid metabolism disturbances but also applies to a number of unrelated mitotic mutants. Interestingly, the partial rescue is not achieved by restoring the lipid metabolism state, but rather indirectly. Our results highlight a novel role for nitrogen availability in mitotic fidelity.
Integrating water balance mechanisms into predictions of insect responses to climate change
Authors: Sinclair Brent J. , Saruhashi Stefane , Terblanche John S.
Published: May 2024

Efficient water balance is key to insect success. However, the hygric environment is changing with climate change; although there are compelling models of thermal vulnerability, water balance is often neglected in predictions. Insects survive desiccating conditions by reducing water loss, increasing their total amount of water (and replenishing it) and increasing their tolerance of dehydration. The physiology underlying these traits is reasonably well understood, as are the sources of variation and phenotypic plasticity. However, water balance and thermal tolerance intersect at high temperatures, such that mortality is sometimes determined by dehydration, rather than heat (especially during long exposures in dry conditions). Furthermore, water balance and thermal tolerance sometimes interact to determine survival. In this Commentary, we propose identifying a threshold where the cause of mortality shifts between dehydration and temperature, and that it should be possible to predict this threshold from trait measurements (and perhaps eventually a priori from physiological or -omic markers).
Sex- and caste-specific developmental responses to juvenile hormone in an ant with maternal caste determination
Authors: Brülhart Jeanne , Süß Anja , Oettler Jan , Heinze Jürgen , Schultner Eva
Published: May 2024

Juvenile hormone is considered to be a master regulator of polyphenism in social insects. In the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior, whether a female egg develops into a queen or a worker is determined maternally and caste-specific differentiation occurs in embryos, so that queens and workers can be distinguished in a non-invasive manner from late embryogenesis onwards. This ant also exhibits two male morphs – winged and wingless males. Here, we used topical treatment with juvenile hormone III and its synthetic analogue methoprene, a method that influences caste determination and differentiation in some ant species, to investigate whether hormone manipulation affects the development and growth of male, queen- and worker-destined embryos and larvae. We found no effect of hormone treatment on female caste ratios or body sizes in any of the treated stages, even though individuals reacted to heightened hormone availability with increased expression of krüppel-homolog 1, a conserved JH first-response gene. In contrast, hormone treatment resulted in the emergence of significantly larger males, although male morph fate was not affected. These results show that in C. obscurior, maternal caste determination leads to irreversible and highly canalized caste-specific development and growth.
Maintained mitochondrial integrity without oxygen in the anoxia-tolerant crucian carp
Authors: Scott Mark A. , Fagernes Cathrine E. , Nilsson Göran E. , Stensløkken Kåre-Olav
Published: May 2024

Very few vertebrates survive without oxygen (anoxia) for more than a few minutes. Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) are one example, surviving months of anoxia at low temperatures, and we hypothesised that they maintain mitochondrial membrane potential and function. Isolated crucian carp cardiomyocytes indeed maintained mitochondrial membrane potential after blocking complex IV of the electron transport system with cyanide, while those of anoxia-intolerant trout depolarised. When complexes I–III were inhibited, crucian carp mitochondria depolarised, indicating that these complexes need to function during anoxia. Mitochondrial membrane potential depended on reversal of ATP synthase in chemical anoxia, as blocking with cyanide combined with oligomycin to inhibit ATP synthase led to depolarisation. ATP synthase activity was reduced in the heart after 1 week of anoxia in crucian carp, together with a downregulation of ATP synthase subunit gene expression. However, the morphology of cardiac mitochondria was not affected by 1 week of anoxia, even with a large increase in mitofusin 2 mRNA expression. Cardiac citrate synthase activity was not affected by anoxia, while cytochrome c oxidase activity was increased. We show how mitochondria respond to anoxia. A mechanistic understanding of how mitochondrial function can be maintained in anoxia may provide new perspectives to reduce mitochondrial damage in anoxia-sensitive organisms.
The Benefits of Acute Exercise for Children’s Cognition Are Associated with Trait Anxiety
Authors: LIGEZA TOMASZ S. , RAINE LAUREN B. , WATROUS JENNIFER N. H. , MCDONALD KATHERINE M. , DE LISIO MICHAEL , MULLEN SEAN P. , KRAMER ARTHUR F. , HILLMAN CHARLES H.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Children’s anxiety is associated with decreased cognitive performance. One well-established behavioral intervention to transiently improve cognitive performance in children is acute aerobic exercise (AAE). Thus far, however, it is unclear whether the benefits of AAE on cognition vary based on individual differences in children’s anxiety level. Therefore, we investigated whether trait anxiety levels mediate the effects of AAE on cognitive outcomes in preadolescent children.

Methods

Ninety-five preadolescent children (9 to 11 yr, 41 females) underwent two experimental interventions in a random, crossover, and counterbalanced design: an exercise protocol (20 min of walking at 65% to 75% of HRpeak) and a nonexercise control (seated rest). Behavioral indices of cognitive performance (accuracy, reaction times, response time (RT) variability) were assessed before and after each intervention using a modified flanker task. The effects of each intervention on cognitive performance were calculated as pre- to postintervention differences (effect scores). These scores were first correlated with children’s personal characteristics: anxiety (STAIC), sex, age, body mass index, intelligence quotient, and aerobic fitness. Significant correlations guided subsequent hierarchical regression models, which specifically tested for associations between the effects scores and anxiety levels while controlling for remaining relevant covariates.

Results

Regression analysis revealed that anxiety was a significant predictor of the effects that AAE and rest had on cognitive performance. Specifically, higher anxiety scores were associated with greater exercise-induced cognitive benefits (increased accuracy, decreased RT variability; all P < 0.05) and greater rest-induced cognitive impairments (decreased accuracy, increased RT variability; all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that children reporting higher trait anxiety might experience greater cognitive benefits from a single bout of AAE.
Sea Level Rise and Urban Inequality
Authors: Hsiao Allan
Published: May 2024

Sea level rise threatens coastal cities around the world. Will it exacerbate inequality in these already unequal places? The rich may adapt by moving to higher ground, threby bidding up prices and pushing the poor elsewhere. I study this spatial sorting with a simple quantitative model and granular data from Jakarta, a flood-prone megacity of 32 million. I find that sea level rise can triple inequality in flood exposure.
The Impacts of Childcare Interventions on Children’s Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Evans David K. , Jakiela Pamela , Acosta Amina Mendez
Published: May 2024

Center-based childcare programs are expanding rapidly in low-and middle-income countries. The impacts of these programs on women's labor market outcomes are consistently positive, but what are the impacts on children's developmental outcomes? We systematically review 71 studies of center-based childcare interventions that report impacts on children and find that most (93 percent of studies and 81 percent of estimates) have positive point estimates. Girls tend to benefit more than boys, but poorer children do not consistently benefit more or less than wealthier children. These results are consistent across experimental and quasi-experimental studies.
Racial Inequality and Publication in Economics
Authors: Koffi Marlène , Pongou Roland , Wantchekon Leonard
Published: May 2024

This paper examines racial disparities in economic publishing using bibliometric data from over 200 economic journals. We find notable differences in authorship between White and non-White authors, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian economists significantly underrepresented in comparison to their share of the overall population. While the publication of non-White economists has increased over the last three decades, the average number of Top 5 journal publications by non-White economists is 25 to 50 percent lower than that of White economists in comparable positions. These disparities highlight the need for measures to enhance knowledge diversity within the economics profession.
Teaching-Track Economists: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Murdock Jennifer , Cohen Avi J.
Published: May 2024

We find that over two-thirds of economics departments in large Canadian universities have full-time teaching-track faculty positions that parallel traditional research-track positions but with a heavier teaching focus. Teaching-track economists approach one-sixth of the faculty complement—a substantial shift in resource allocations since 2000. This paper—a companion to Arico et al. (2024)—uses a mixed-methods approach with interview and survey data to draw on the firsthand experience of teaching-track economists. Pioneers helped craft a Canadian model that allows economics departments to attract passionate educators, and the teaching track continues to evolve.
Teaching-Track Economists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Arico Fabio , Birdi Alvin , Elliott Caroline , Jenkins Cloda , Lait Ashley , Spielmann Christian
Published: May 2024

In this companion paper to Arico et al (2024), we use a mixed-methods approach to characterize teaching-track faculty positions in the United Kingdom. We find these roles are more prevalent in the United Kingdom compared to the United States or Canada, and notably more oriented toward scholarship and administration duties. A high value is placed by role holders on the existence of formal networks that connect teaching-track economists across universities. We provide some context to help understand these findings, which will be relevant for academics considering these roles as well as department and university leaders.
The Traveling Trucker Problem
Authors: Allen Treb , Atkin David , Cleves Santiago Cantillo , Hernandez Carlos Eduardo
Published: May 2024

This paper documents three new stylized facts showing that truckers in Colombia frequently choose to make complex chains of shipments in a single trip before returning home. It then provides a new model of optimal trucker trip-chaining with a general geography that is consistent with these facts.
Slanted-L Phillips Curve
Authors: Benigno Pierpaolo , Eggertsson Gauti B.
Published: May 2024

A slanted-L curve is well-suited to represent the nonlinearity of the celebrated Phillips curve. We show this using cross-country data of major industrialized economies since 2009, including the inflationary surge of the 2020s. At high unemployment rates, an increase in demand reduces unemployment without creating strong inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, supply shocks have a muted effect. At sufficiently low unemployment, there is a labor shortage, so that the economy is at full capacity. Then, higher demand is inflationary and supply shocks are amplified. We derive a model of a slanted-L curve.
What Do Long Data Tell Us about the Permanent Component of Inflation?
Authors: Schmitt-Grohé Stephanie , Uribe Martín
Published: May 2024

Is postwar data enough to estimate the permanent component of inflation? We find that it is not for episodes of sudden and large inflation spikes like the one observed after the COVID-19 pandemic because such episodes are rare in the prewar sample (the inflation of the 1980s took 15 years to develop). However, prewar data is rich in sudden inflation spikes, thus providing useful information. Estimates using data over the period 1900-2022 predict that the permanent component of inflation increased by only 1.3 percentage points from 2019-2022 but by 5.0 percentage points when estimated using 1955-2022 data.
Enhancing ketamine anesthesia with midazolam and fentanyl for children’s ear surgery: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Han Seong Min , Kwon So Young , In Jang Hyeok , Joo Jin Deok
Published: May 2024

Background: Myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion (MTI) is a superficial surgical procedure used to prevent hearing loss in children with serous otitis media. Intravenous anesthesia, often ketamine, is preferred for this procedure because of its ability to induce sedation without compromising airway reflexes. However, ketamine alone may be insufficient and potentially lead to spontaneous movement during surgery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of midazolam and fentanyl as adjuvants to ketamine in reducing spontaneous movement during MTI and enhancing the quality of recovery.Methods: This study involved two groups of 30 patients each: one group received intravenous ketamine (1.5 mg/kg) with an equal volume of normal saline (K group), while the other received a combination of midazolam, fentanyl, and ketamine (0.05 mg/kg, 1 μg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively; MFK group). We assessed side effects, intraoperative patient movement, surgeon satisfaction, and emergence agitation scores.Results: The MFK group exhibited significantly lower scores for patient movement (p<0.01) and emergence agitation (p<0.01) and markedly higher surgeon satisfaction scores (p<0.01) than the K group.Conclusion: Administering a midazolam-fentanyl-ketamine combination effectively reduced spontaneous movement during surgery and emergence agitation during recovery without prolonging discharge times in children undergoing MTI.
A review of treatment of relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
Authors: Bydliński Arkadiusz , Brożyna Aleksandra , Małek Natalia , Emerla Sara , Kwiatkowska Anita , Karłowicz Konrad , Hermanowska Maria , Lubomirska Julia , Figurowska Patrycja , Ciulkiewicz Łukasz , Pluta Patryk
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (SM) is the most common chronic inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System. In its course, a multifocal damage is done to a nervous tissue - myelin sheaths surrounding axons become disintegrated. This process leads to a dysfunction of the electrical impulses passage along nerve fibers which occurs as various symptoms that hinder the functioning of the patients. 
Aim of the study
This review aims to summarize treatment methods of relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Following information will be presented: groups of medications, mechanism of its action, its most important side effects and its effectiveness.
Material and method
This review presents the current state of knowledge about relapsing-remitting type of multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatment - it is based on Pubmed database and was carried out using keywords concerning the issues of multiple sclerosis. Cited articles were selected in order to base on up-to-date investigation results.
Summary
A wide range of therapeutic options let neurologists treat their patients accurately, but the basic knowledge about each substance should be assimilated to choose the best individual therapy. Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis differ from each other and a personal approach is needed to implement appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Early start allows patients to not to lose their everyday functioning areas, as the neurodegenerative process is stopped at the initial stage. If some changes in brain tissue structure are permanently done, neurologists should know the options of symptomatic treatment to alleviate a patient's suffering.
Hacia procesos de certificación sostenibles en la industria palmera: el caso del departamento del Meta, Colombia
Authors: Sierra Vargas Dayana
Published: May 2024

la industria de palma de aceite ha sido sometida al escrutinio y la crítica mundial debido a que muchos consideran que su actividad productiva ocasiona un impacto ambiental significativo. Como respuesta a estos problemas, se han creado estándares como la Mesa Redonda de Aceite de Palma Sostenible y Rainforest Alliance que pretenden que la práctica en el cultivo y/o en la cadena de suministro (cultivo, extracción, almacenamiento, transporte, refinación y manufactura del producto final) de la palma de aceite se practique de una manera sostenible. Colombia se encuentra entre los primeros puestos de producción de palma de aceite, donde el departamento del Meta es uno de los de mayor producción de palma de aceite, razón por la que se decidió escogerlo como área de estudio. El objetivo de este capítulo es presentar las plantas de beneficio que existen en esta zona, identificar aquellas que no se han certificado e indicar cuáles han sido los problemas en los requerimientos de los estándares de certificación. Se evidencia que la Mesa Redonda de Aceite de Palma Sostenible es la que se elige con mayor frecuencia por los palmicultores en comparación con Rainforest Alliance; sin embargo, en ambos estándares existen ciertas problemáticas al certificarse, como el costo elevado del estudio de altos valores de conservación —que varía de acuerdo al área de estudio—, el demostrar que no hubo cambio del uso del suelo, la tardanza en el otorgamiento de permisos por parte de la autoridad ambiental, la prohibición de ingredientes activos de plaguicidas y la verificación en la cadena de suministro donde no se mezclen frutos certificados con los que no lo están.