bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure S1 from Thyroid Cancers Exhibit Oncogene-Enhanced Macropinocytosis that Is Restrained by IGF1R and Promote Albumin–Drug Conjugate Response
Authors: Hu Huiyu , Ng Thomas S.C. , Kang Mikyung , Scott Ella , Li Ran , Quintana Jeremy M. , Matvey Dylan , Vantaku Venkata R. , Weissleder Ralph , Parangi Sareh , Miller Miles A.
Published: June 2023

Albumin uptake is dependent on macropinocytosis in ATC
Supplementary Figure S3 from The DRD2 Antagonist Haloperidol Mediates Autophagy-Induced Ferroptosis to Increase Temozolomide Sensitivity by Promoting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glioblastoma
Authors: Shi Linyong , Chen Hanning , Chen Kunxiang , Zhong Chengzong , Song Chong , Huang Yifeng , Wang Tong , Chen Lei , Li Chiyang , Huang Annie , Qi Songtao , Li Hong , Lu Yuntao
Published: June 2023

Fig. S3. HP radiosensitive GBM cells.
Supplementary Figure S2 from The DRD2 Antagonist Haloperidol Mediates Autophagy-Induced Ferroptosis to Increase Temozolomide Sensitivity by Promoting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glioblastoma
Authors: Shi Linyong , Chen Hanning , Chen Kunxiang , Zhong Chengzong , Song Chong , Huang Yifeng , Wang Tong , Chen Lei , Li Chiyang , Huang Annie , Qi Songtao , Li Hong , Lu Yuntao
Published: June 2023

Fig. S2. TMZ+HP Hp induces ferroptosis in GBM cells.
Supplementary Figure S1 from The DRD2 Antagonist Haloperidol Mediates Autophagy-Induced Ferroptosis to Increase Temozolomide Sensitivity by Promoting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glioblastoma
Authors: Shi Linyong , Chen Hanning , Chen Kunxiang , Zhong Chengzong , Song Chong , Huang Yifeng , Wang Tong , Chen Lei , Li Chiyang , Huang Annie , Qi Songtao , Li Hong , Lu Yuntao
Published: June 2023

Fig. S1. HP does not trigger apoptosis in GBM cells.
Fluoxetine Can Cause Epileptogenesis and Aberrant Neurogenesis in Male Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Musaelyan Ksenia , Horowitz Mark A. , McHugh Stephen , Szele Francis G.
Published: June 2023

Antidepressants in general, and fluoxetine in particular, increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in mice. Here we asked how the antidepressant fluoxetine affects behavior and AHN in a corticosterone model of depression. In three groups of adult male C57BL/6j mice, we administered either vehicle (VEH), corticosterone (CORT) treatment to induce a depression-like state, or corticosterone plus a standard dose of fluoxetine (CORT+FLX). Following treatment, mice performed the open field test, the novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, and the splash test. Neurogenesis was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry using BrdU and neuronal maturation markers. Unexpectedly, 42% of the CORT+FLX-treated mice exhibited severe weight loss, seizures, and sudden death. As expected, the CORT-treated group had altered behaviors compared to the VEH group, but the CORT+FLX mice that survived did not show any behavioral improvement compared to the CORT group. Antidepressants generally increase neurogenesis and here we also found that compared to CORT mice, CORT+FLX mice that survived had a significantly greater density of BrdU+, BrdU+DCX+, and BrdU+NeuN+ cells, suggesting increased neurogenesis. Moreover, the density of BrdU+NeuN+ cells was increased in an aberrant location, the hilus, of CORT+FLX mice, similar to previous studies describing aberrant neurogenesis following seizures. In conclusion, fluoxetine could induce considerable adverse effects in wild-type mice, including seizure-like activity. Fluoxetine-induced neurogenesis increases could be related to this activity; therefore, proneurogenic effects of fluoxetine and other antidepressants, especially in the absence of any behavioral therapeutic effects, should be interpreted with caution.
Resilient Dwellers of Urban “Slums”
Authors: Ojebuyi Babatunde Raphael , Ajao Hadrat Mopelola
Published: June 2023

This study was designed to examine the survival activities of the street children in Ibadan, Nigeria, the street sub-cultures among them, the push factors, and language use in terms of their inventions of communication strategies for survival as “slum” dwellers. A total of 34 in-depth interviews and seven key informant interviews were conducted among purposively selected street children and stakeholders, respectively, in Iwo-Road, Ibadan. The findings show that the street children predominantly engaged in begging and petty hawking among other activities. Three subcultures—children of the streets, children on the streets and street family children—existed among the children. Poverty, dysfunctional families, the death of parents, and the search for excitement pushed the children to the streets. Street children have developed different communication strategies such as non-verbal acts, verbal narratives, emotional appeal, dramatisation, music, prayers, and abusive expressions to fit into their peculiar groups and survive as street dwellers.
Environmental Movements and Satisfaction with Governments
Authors: Hu Kai
Published: June 2023

Environmental movements are a special social movement against environmental injustice, as well as a political conflict regarding environmental issues. To understand the motivation to participate in environmental movements, it is necessary to explore the role of governments in environmental management. Using the cross-sectional data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2013, the author estimates the associations between participation in environmental movements and satisfaction with governments in environmental management. Results show that participation in environmental movements is not associated with individual satisfaction with the central government but is significantly associated with individual satisfaction with the local government when demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are adjusted in models. This finding suggests that public satisfaction and trust in local governments’ environmental governance can promote the public to participate in environmental protection activities. This study also reflects that Chinese individuals believe the local governments can undertake the responsibility of environmental management, suggesting that the central and local governments reach a consensus on environmental management in China.
America’s Marshall Plan and China’s One Belt and One Road Initiative
Authors: Ru Sung Hee
Published: June 2023

Existing research on the US Marshall Plan and China’s OBOR Initiative has tended to focus on national interests and relations with the countries involved in the projects, assuming the state or interstate relations as the unit of analysis and focusing on the background (or causes), process, and outcomes of the Marshall Plan and Belt and Road Initiative. In contrast to these approaches, this study aims to show the transnational elements (i.e., logics of the capitalist world-economy) of the Marshall Plan and OBOR that both projects have in common. This study also presents how both projects at least partially helped to revitalize and boost global capitalism beyond their own national interests. The theoretical contribution of this study is to show that the logic of global capitalism is part of what keeps the Marshall Plan and OBORs going.
Music in the Dīwān of Samuel ha-Nagid
Authors: Vardi Jonathan
Published: June 2023

The dīwān (book of poems) of the eleventh-century polymath and Hebrew poet of Granada, Samuel ha-Nagid, contains unexpected musical aspects. This article reveals a formerly unknown comment by the poet’s son, which indicates that the shorter poems of the book were all set to music and performed in the poet’s court. The article discusses the implications of this discovery and its importance for understanding both ha-Nagid’s poetry and the musical practices of al-Andalus. Unique literary phenomena such as poem-cycles and “twin poems” that share similar structure are examined through their relations to the early Andalusian nawba (suite) and to the practice of composing contrafacta respectively.
A Normative Turn in the Study of Religions?
Authors: Stausberg Michael , Gilhus Ingvild Sælid , Bull Christian Hervik , van der Haven Alexander
Published: June 2023

In his book Why Study Religion? ethicist and philosopher Richard B. Miller criticizes the discipline of religious studies for being negligent about the fundamental goal of its academic pursuits. In this review essay, the authors challenge Miller’s diagnosis by arguing that scholars of religion do share a common goal and that the state of affairs bemoaned by Miller is healthier than he admits. The essay raises doubts concerning his selection of six “methodologies” that supposedly represent the field and it challenges Miller’s interpretation of Jonathan Z. Smith’s famous comparative analysis of the Jonestown massacre. The essay proposes a different distinction between goals and values in research and critically reviews the four goals/values proposed by Miller, three of which appear to represent business as usual. The essay argues that Miller’s proposed teleology is suspicious, not as innovative as he seems to think, and maybe even a retrogression. Finally, the essay faults Miller’s undertheorized conception of religion.
Norwegian Law and the Swedish Sami
Authors: Allen Tom , Lundmark Jan Mikael
Published: June 2023

Modern state boundaries often cut through territories currently or formerly occupied by indigenous peoples. In many cases, the unmitigated application of laws on movement across the border can interfere with the rights and way of life of an indigenous group. This paper considers recent legal developments in Canada and Norway concerning cross-border rights and claims. It highlights conflicts that have emerged between constitutional principles that are regarded as fundamental within the state and norms drawn from international law, and in particular the norms set by United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We focus on the constitutional jurisprudence on cross-border rights of indigenous peoples in Norway, and draw on the Canadian law as a means of demonstrating that the Norwegian approach is unduly restrictive. This, we argue, is primarily due to the preference of the Norwegian court for a paternalistic model of indigenous claims. We contrast this with the recent jurisprudence from the Canadian Supreme Court on cross-border claims, where the reasoning is closer to a model that gives priority to the recognition of indigenous rights, as required under the UN Declaration. The final section returns to Norway, to consider the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights (‘echr’) to Sami rights. The leading case is under review by the European Court of Human Rights, and accordingly the article asks whether the paternalist model will withstand the closer scrutiny against human rights standards.
Towards a Climate Resilient European Union? Prospects and Limitations of a General EU Climate Adaption Law
Authors: Buser Andreas
Published: June 2023

Unlike EU climate protection law, the law governing climate adaptation remains underdeveloped and so-far has not attracted similar scholarly attention. Given the unfolding climate crisis and global mitigation efforts falling short of meeting the temperature goal agreed upon in the Paris Agreement (pa) this article focuses on a fairly new subject of legal study: EU climate adaptation law. First, the article critically assesses the perceived need to address climate adaptation in a more general manner at the EU level beyond more specific subject areas, such as EU water law. It then maps the overarching framework for climate adaptation built upon the new central adaptation provision in Art. 5 EU-Climate Law and established environmental principles of EU primary law. Finally, the Article discusses strengths and weakness of this general framework.
The EU’s Stringent Jurisdictional Protection of Its Surface Waters
Authors: de Sadeleer Nicolas , Martens Gauthier
Published: June 2023

In 2000, the European Parliament and the Council adopted the Water Framework Directive, whose ultimate objective was to attain a good ecological status for all surface, transitional, coastal and groundwaters in the Union by the end of 2015. The directive gave Member States a large margin of discretion in the implementation of its provisions. However, the quality of European waters remains largely mediocre. In that context, two judgments delivered by the Court of Justice, one in 2015 and one in 2022, provide a strict interpretation of the directive’s provisions in the domain of surface waters. The first establishes that any deterioration of the ecological status, even if small, is prohibited. The second specifies that, except for derogation, temporary, short-term degradations are not allowed either. The conclusions of those cases are applicable to other types of water bodies and may lead to an improvement in their management.
Trauma-Related Shame and Guilt as Prospective Predictors of Daily Mental Contamination and PTSD Symptoms in Survivors of Sexual Trauma
Authors: McCann Jesse P. , Tipsword Jordyn M. , Brake C. Alex , Badour Christal L.
Published: June 2023

Mental contamination (MC), the experience of dirtiness in the absence of a physical contaminant, has established links with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Shame and guilt have well-documented relationships with symptoms of PTSD and may play a role in the development and maintenance of MC. The present study examined whether trauma-related shame and guilt prospectively predicted daily MC and symptoms of PTSD among 41 women with a history of sexual trauma. Women completed baseline and twice-daily assessments of MC and symptoms of PTSD over a 2-week period and baseline measures of trauma-related shame and guilt. Two sets of hierarchical mixed linear regression models examined individual and combined fixed effects of baseline trauma-related guilt (guilt cognitions and global guilt) and shame in predicting daily trauma-related MC and symptoms of PTSD. Trauma-related shame positively predicted both daily MC and PTSD. This association remained robust even when accounting for the experience of trauma-related guilt. Neither trauma-related guilt cognitions nor global guilt predicted daily MC or PTSD. While other studies have addressed shame related to sexual assault, this is the first study to demonstrate a positive prospective relationship between shame and trauma-related MC. Findings regarding PTSD and shame are consistent with a growing literature. Further research is needed to better understand the temporal relationships between trauma-related shame, MC, and symptoms of PTSD, including how these variables interact and change over the course of PTSD treatment. A better understanding of the factors influencing the development and maintenance of MC can inform efforts to more easily target and improve MC, and subsequently PTSD.
Infant and Pre-birth Involvement With Child Protection Across Australia
Authors: O’Donnell Melissa , Lima Fernando , Maclean Miriam , Marriott Rhonda , Taplin Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Infants (<1 year old) are the age group in Australia with the highest rate of involvement with child protection. Many jurisdictions across Australia and internationally are implementing policies focused on prenatal planning and targeted support. This study investigates Australian trends in prenatal and infant child protection notifications, substantiations and out-of-home care; and the extent of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants. Data was provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the period 1 July 2012-30 June 2019. Univariate Poisson regression analysis was conducted, reporting the percentage change in the incidence rate ratios. All Australian jurisdictions who collect and approved release of prenatal notification data experienced increases in the rates of children with prenatal notifications, with a 4% (IRR: 1.04(1.04–1.05)) overall increase per year across Australia. Approximately 33% of children had substantiated prenatal notifications. Rates of infant notifications and entry to care in Australia increased overall by 3% (IRR:1.03(1.03–1.04)) and 2% per year (IRR:1.02(1.01–1.03)), respectively. With rising numbers of families reported prenatally and during infancy, greater evidence of the effectiveness of policies, interventions and outcomes for children and families is required.
Feline precision medicine using whole-exome sequencing identifies a novel frameshift mutation for vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2
Authors: Habacher Gabriele , Malik Richard , Lait Philippa JP , Coghill Lyndon M , Middleton Rondo P , Warren Wesley C , Lyons Leslie A
Published: June 2023

Objectives

A 14-week-old female domestic longhair kitten presented with shifting lameness and disproportionately smaller size compared with a co-housed littermate.

Methods

Hematology and serum biochemical testing were conducted to investigate causes for delayed growth, and radiographs of the appendicular skeleton were obtained.

Results

The afflicted kitten had marked hypocalcemia, mild hypophosphatemia and substantial elevations in alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as pathognomonic radiographic findings consistent with rickets. Skeletal changes and hypocalcemia prompted testing of concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D metabolites. Endocrine testing demonstrated significant increases in serum concentrations of PTH and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol), supporting a diagnosis of vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2. Provision of analgesia, supraphysiologic doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate supplementation achieved normalization of the serum calcium concentration and restoration of normal growth, although some skeletal abnormalities persisted. Once skeletally mature, ongoing calcitriol supplementation was not required. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify the underlying DNA variant. A cytosine deletion at cat chromosome position B4:76777621 in VDR (ENSFCAT00000029466:c.106delC) was identified and predicted to cause a stop codon in exon 2 (p.Arg36Glufs*18), disrupting >90% of the receptor. The variant was unique and homozygous in this patient and absent in the sibling and approximately 400 other cats for which whole-genome and whole-exome data were available.

Conclusions and relevance

A unique, heritable form of rickets was diagnosed in a domestic longhair cat. WES identified a novel frameshift mutation affecting the gene coding for the vitamin D3 receptor, determining the likely causal genetic variant. Precision medicine techniques, including whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, can be a standard of care in cats to identify disease etiologies, and to target therapeutics and personalize treatment.
Regional background and donor-language fluency as predictors of Finnish loanword frequency in Finland-Swedish
Authors: Strandberg Janine A. E. , Gooskens Charlotte , Schüppert Anja
Published: June 2023

Aims and objectives:

This study examines fennicisms (i.e., Finnish loanwords and calques) in Finland-Swedish, a Swedish variety spoken in Finland. We investigate how fennicism frequency relates to speakers’ regional backgrounds and fluency in Finnish.

Methodology:

134 participants from four regions in Finland performed a picture-naming task designed to elicit fennicisms. The participants also rated their own fluency in Finnish.

Data and analysis:

A regression analysis with the outcome variable of fennicism frequency and the predictors of region, fluency in Finnish, and gender was performed.

Findings:

Results show that speakers from the more bilingual regions of Southern Finland and Helsinki used significantly more fennicisms than speakers from Ostrobothnia or Swedish-speaking Åland. The study suggests that fluency in Finnish was a strong predictor for fennicism use, as speakers with low or moderate knowledge of Finnish used fewer fennicisms than speakers with high or native(-like) fluency. No significant effect of gender was found.

Originality:

While fennicisms are considered widespread in Finland-Swedish, there is little previous research on their use and distribution.

Implications:

The results demonstrate that while many of the fennicisms are well-established in the Finland-Swedish variety, their use is limited to certain groups and communities.
New criteria for wrapper feature selection to enhance bearing fault classification
Authors: Sahraoui Mohammed Amine , Rahmoune Chemseddine , Meddour Ikhlas , Bettahar Toufik , Zair Mohamed
Published: June 2023

Classification is a critical task in many fields, including signal processing and data analysis. The accuracy and stability of classification results can be improved by selecting the most relevant features from the data. In this paper, a new criterion for feature selection using wrapper method is proposed, which is based on the evaluation of the classification results according to the accuracy and stability (standard deviation) of each class and the number of selected features. The proposed method is evaluated using Random Forest (RF) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms on a benchmark dataset. Results show that the proposed method outperforms classical feature selection methods in terms of accuracy and stability of classification results, especially for the difficult-to-classify combined damage class. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed new wrapper feature selection criterion to improve the performance of classification algorithms with higher stability (STD: C1 = 0.5, C2 = 0.8, C3 = 0.6, C4 = 1.8) and better accuracy (average C1 = 98.5%, C2 = 96.6%, C3 = 9.5%, C4 = 93) for the both; the statoric current and the vibration signal compared to other techniques. Machine learning methods had proven their efficiency in time-varying machines fault diagnosis when taking vibration signals and statoric currents extracted features as inputs. However, the use of the both demonstrated a higher robustness and a remarkable superiority.
Systematic Literature Review on the Factors Affecting the Well-Being of Entrepreneurs in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Bahsri Norizzati , Yazid Zaleha , Makhbul Zafir Mohamed , Omar Nor Asiah
Published: June 2023

Well-being and mental health can impact life and job satisfaction. Additionally, well-being is also associated with productivity and is becoming a concern in the growth of SMEs in Malaysia. This research aimed to explore the factors that affect the well-being of entrepreneurs in Malaysian SMEs. A systematic literature review was conducted in which research papers published from 2014 to 2021 were included. After the full-text screening, 25 articles were reviewed for qualitative synthesis. Entrepreneurial stressors, social support, individual factors, and business factors were identified as factors affecting the well-being of entrepreneurs. There are limited studies on the well-being of entrepreneurs, especially in Malaysia. Hence, future studies should focus on this, as Malaysian SMEs are significant contributors to the economy.
Introducing the CAUSE model and five Creativity Languages
Authors: Worwood Matthew J. , Kaufman James C.
Published: June 2023

There are many approaches to understanding how creativity is manifested, from the influence of the context or environment to understanding differences in processes or domains. However, less work has focused on a creator’s instinctual reaction to external stimuli and how it shapes the creative activities that follow. This paper proposes the CAUSE Model of Creativity Languages: Connect, Apply, Understand, Share, and Express. The authors consider how an individual’s varying levels across these five Creativity Languages (innate, proficient, independent, basic, or dormant) may influence creative behavior, choice of domains to pursue, and potential eventual success. The model is also discussed in terms of potential measurement as well as how it could intersect with the Four C’s Model of creativity, including how Pro-c creators would benefit from understanding all five Creativity Languages.
Risk of male breast cancer after Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: de Vries Simone , Krul Inge M. , Schaapveld Michael , Janus Cecile P. M. , Rademakers Saskia E. , Roesink Judith M. , Nijziel Marten R. , Bilgin Yavuz M. , Aleman Berthe M. P. , van Leeuwen Flora E.
Published: June 2023

Female survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with chest radiotherapy have a strongly increased risk of breast cancer (BC), but the treatment-specific BC risk in male survivors of HL has not been evaluated. We assessed BC risk in a cohort of 3077 male survivors of 5-year HL treated at age ≤51 years in 20 Dutch hospitals between 1965 and 2013. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), absolute excess risks per 10 000 person-years, and cumulative BC incidences. After a 20-year median follow-up, we observed 8 cases of male with BC. Male survivors of HL experienced a 23-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.1-46.0) increased BC risk compared with the general population, representing 1.6 (95% CI, 0.7-3.3) excess BC incidences per 10 000 person-years. The 20- and 40-year cumulative BC incidences after HL treatment were 0.1% (95% CI, 0.02-0.3) and 0.7% (95% CI, 0.3-1.4), respectively. Treatment with chest radiotherapy without alkylating chemotherapy yielded a strongly increased SIR (20.7; 95% CI, 2.5-74.8), which was not significantly different for chest radiotherapy and alkylating chemotherapy (41.1; 95% CI, 13.4-96.0). Males treated with chest radiotherapy and anthracyclines had an SIR of 48.1 (95% CI, 13.1-123.1). Two patients died from BC (median follow-up, 4.7 years). To ensure early diagnosis and treatment, clinicians should be alert to BC symptoms in male survivors of HL.
First fossil record of Varanus (Reptilia, Squamata) from Switzerland and the earliest occurrences of the genus in Europe
Authors: Georgalis Georgios L. , Mennecart Bastien , Smith Krister T.
Published: June 2023

We here describe two isolated fossil teeth from the Early Miocene (MN 4) of Hüenerbach, Switzerland. The material is tentatively referred to Varanus, marking the first occurrence of this iconic lizard genus in the Swiss fossil record, while it also represents one of its earliest occurrences from Europe, being coeval with other records from Spain, France, and the Czech Republic. Important diagnostic features in the teeth of extant Varanus are discussed, coupled with comparisons with related taxa. The prominent serration in one of the two Swiss teeth is an unusual feature for European varanids. In addition, the sole other lizard specimen from Hüenerbach is also described, being referred to an indeterminate lacertid, with potential affinities to the genus Janosikia.
CD40 ligand stimulation affects the number and memory phenotypes of human peripheral CD8+ T cells
Authors: Choi Haeyoun , Lee Hyun-Joo , Sohn Hyun-Jung , Kim Tai-Gyu
Published: June 2023

Background

CD40L is primarily expressed on activated CD4+ T cells and binds to CD40 which is expressed by various cells including dendritic cells, macrophages and B lymphocytes. While CD40-CD40L interaction is known to be direct between B cells and CD4+ T cells which results in proliferation and immunoglobulin isotype switching, antigen presenting cells (APCs) were thought to be involved in the delivery of CD4+ help to CD8+ T cells by cross-talk between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and APCs. However, subsequent study demonstrated that CD40L signal can be directly delivered to CD8+ T cells by CD40 expression on CD8+ T cells. Since most studies have been carried out in murine models, we aimed to investigate the direct effect of CD40L on human peripheral CD8+ T cells.

Results

Human peripheral CD8+ T cells were isolated to exclude the indirect effect of B cells or dendritic cells. Upon activation, CD40 expression on CD8+ T cells was transiently induced and stimulation with artificial APCs expressing CD40L (aAPC-CD40L) increased the number of total and central memory CD8+ T cells and also pp65 specific CD8+ T cells. Stimulation with aAPC-CD40L also resulted in higher proportion of central memory CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that CD40L has an effect on the increased number of CD8+ T cells through CD40 expressed on activated CD8+ T cells and has influence on memory CD8+ T cell generation. Our results may provide a new perspective of the effect of CD40L on human peripheral CD8+ T cells, which differ according to the memory differentiation status of CD8+ T cells.
Psychedelics and neural plasticity
Authors: Sumner Rachael , Lukasiewicz Kacper
Published: June 2023

When it comes to studying neural plasticity and psychedelics, the numerous and diverse neuroscientific fields converging on the topic provide unique insight into a complex picture. This editorial will describe the major ways in which the known effects of psychedelics on plasticity are being studied. We lay out strengths of different techniques and the major gaps and room for future research, particularly in the translation of pre-clinical studies to human research.
Complications and related risk factors of transradial access cannulation for hemodynamic monitoring in general surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hou Qin , Zhou Bin , He Juanjuan , Chen Xueying , Zuo Yunxia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To examine the short-term complications of arterial cannulation for intraoperative monitoring and their related risk factors.

Methods

We included adult inpatients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent an initial transradial access (TRA) cannulation and were scheduled for general surgery between April 8 and November 30, 2020. We used 20G arterial puncture needles for puncturing and manual compression for hemostasis. Demographic, clinical, surgical, anesthetic, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records. Vascular, neurologic, and infectious complications of TRA cannulation were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors related to TRA cannulation for intraoperative monitoring.

Results

Among 509 included patients, 174 developed TRA cannulation-related complications. Puncture site bleeding/hematoma and median nerve injury were observed in 158 (31.0%) and 16 (3.1%) patients, respectively. No patient developed cannula-related infections. Logistic regression analysis revealed increased odds of puncture site bleeding/hematoma in women (odds ratio 4.49, 95% CI 2.73–7.36; P < 0.001) and patients who received intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) suspension transfusion ≥ 4U (odds ratio 5.26, 95% CI 1.41–19.57; P = 0.01). No risk factors for nerve injury were identified.

Conclusion

Bleeding/hematoma were a common complication of TRA cannulation for intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring during general surgery. Median nerve injury may be an under recognized complication. Female sex and extensive intraoperative RBC transfusion are associated with an increased risk of bleeding/hematoma; however, the risk factors for nerve injury remain unclear.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900025140).
Additive effect between homocysteine and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol upon incidence of novel carotid plaque formation: data from a Chinese community-based cohort
Authors: Momin Mohetaboer , Fan Fangfang , Yang Ying , Li Jianping , Jia Jia , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Objective

Homocysteine (HCY) has been associated with carotid plaque in cross-sectional studies, but the prospective relationship between HCY and incident carotid plaque has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between HCY and incidence of novel carotid plaque in a Chinese community-based population without pre-existing carotid atherosclerosis and to assess the additive effect of HCY and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on the incidence of novel plaque. Methods: At baseline, we measured HCY and other risk factors in subjects aged ≥ 40 years. All participants underwent carotid ultrasound examinations at baseline and after an average of 6.8 years of follow-up. Incidence of plaque was identified if plaque was absent at baseline, but plaque was detected at the end of follow-up. A total of 474 subjects were included in the analysis. Results: The incidence of novel carotid plaque was 24.47%. Multivariate regression analyses showed that HCY was independently associated with a 1.05-fold-higher likelihood for incident novel plaque (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.09, P = 0.008). Using tertile 1 and tertile 2 for reference, the top HCY tertile (T3) showed a 2.28-fold-higher likelihood for incident plaque (adjusted OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.33–3.93, P = 0.002). The combination of HCY T3 and LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L had the highest risk for novel plaque formation (adjusted OR = 3.63, 95%CI: 1.67–7.85, P = 0.001) compared to those without either condition. In the LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L subgroup, HCY was significantly associated with incidence of plaque (adjusted OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.04–1.28, P = 0.005, P-interaction = 0.023). Conclusion: In the Chinese community-based population, HCY was independently associated with the incidence of novel carotid plaque. There were additive effect between HCY and LDL-C on the incidence of plaque, the highest risk was observed in individuals with both high HCY levels and LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/L. Our findings suggest that HCY may be a potential target for preventing the incidence of carotid plaque, particularly in individuals with elevated LDL-C levels.
Quasi-rerandomization for observational studies
Authors: Zhang Hengtao , Su Wen , Yin Guosheng
Published: June 2023

Background

In the causal analysis of observational studies, covariates should be carefully balanced to approximate a randomized experiment. Numerous covariate balancing methods have been proposed for this purpose. However, it is often unclear what type of randomized experiments the balancing approaches aim to approximate; and this may cause ambiguity and hamper the synthesis of balancing characteristics within randomized experiments.

Methods

Randomized experiments based on rerandomization, known for significant improvement on covariate balance, have recently gained attention in the literature, but no attempt has been made to integrate this scheme into observational studies for improving covariate balance. Motivated by the above concerns, we propose quasi-rerandomization, a novel reweighting method, where observational covariates are rerandomized to be the anchor for reweighting such that the balanced covariates obtained from rerandomization can be reconstructed by the weighted data.

Results

Through extensive numerical studies, not only does our approach demonstrate similar covariate balance and comparable estimation precision of treatment effect to rerandomization in many situations, but it also exhibits advantages over other balancing techniques in inferring the treatment effect.

Conclusion

Our quasi-rerandomization method can approximate the rerandomized experiments well in terms of improving the covariate balance and the precision of treatment effect estimation. Furthermore, our approach shows competitive performance compared with other weighting and matching methods. The codes for the numerical studies are available at https://github.com/BobZhangHT/QReR.
A multicenter descriptive analysis of anemia management in hemodialysis patients and its association with quality of life
Authors: Al-Jabi Samah W. , Rajabi Nada S. , Koni Amer A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: June 2023

Background

Appropriate management of anemia in patients with hemodialysis (HD) involves the administration of iron supplementation and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs), in addition to monitoring the response. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment of anemia in patients with HD and describe the factors associated with it and its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

The study was cross-sectional in design. The patients were included from three dialysis centers in Palestine from June to September 2018. The data collection instrument consisted of two portions; the initial portion contained demographic and clinical information on the patients, while the second consisted of the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D-5 L) and the visual analog scale EQ (EQ-VAS).

Results

The study included 226 patients. Their mean age (± SD) was 57 ± 13.9 years. The mean level of hemoglobin (Hb) (± SD) was 10.63 ± 1.71 g/dl, and 34.1% of the patients had a Hb level of 10-11.5 g/dl. All patients who required iron supplementation received it intravenously with a dose of 100 mg of iron sucrose. Almost 86.7% of the patients received darbepoetin alfa intravenously at 0.45 mcg/kg a week, and 24% had a Hb level > 11.5 g/dl. There were significant associations between the level of Hb and the number of comorbid diseases and the ESA that was received. However, other demographics and clinical factors did not significantly affect Hb levels. Certain variables, such as exercise, were a predictor of a higher quality of life. It should be noted that there is a significant impact of a low Hb value on the EQ-VAS scale.

Conclusions

Our study found that more than half of the patients had a Hb level below the recommended goal of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Furthermore, a significant association was found between patients’ Hb level and HRQOL. Therefore, the appropriate treatment of anemia in patients with HD should be followed by adherence to the guideline recommendations, which consequently improves the HRQOL of HD patients, in addition to obtaining optimal therapy.
Growing old in China in socioeconomic and epidemiological context: systematic review of social care policy for older people
Authors: Lobanov-Rostovsky Sophia , He Qianyu , Chen Yuntao , Liu Yuyang , Wu Yanjuan , Liu Yixuan , Venkatraman Tishya , French Eric , Curry Natasha , Hemmings Nina , Bandosz Piotr , Chan Wing Kit , Liao Jing , Brunner Eric John
Published: June 2023

Background

From 2020 to 2050, China’s population aged ≥65 years old is estimated to more than double from 172 million (12·0%) to 366 million (26·0%). Some 10 million have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to approach 40 million by 2050. Critically, the population is ageing fast while China is still a middle-income country.

Methods

Using official and population-level statistics, we summarise China’s demographic and epidemiological trends relevant to ageing and health from 1970 to present, before examining key determinants of China’s improving population health in a socioecological framework. We then explore how China is responding to the care needs of its older population by carrying out a systematic review to answer the question: ‘what are the key policy challenges to China achieving an equitable nationwide long-term care system for older people?’. Databases were screened for records published between 1st June 2020 and 1st June 2022 in Mandarin Chinese or English, reflecting our focus on evidence published since introduction of China’s second long-term care insurance pilot phase in 2020.

Results

Rapid economic development and improved access to education has led to widescale internal migration. Changing fertility policies and household structures also pose considerable challenges to the traditional family care model. To deal with increasing need, China has piloted 49 alternative long-term care insurance systems. Our findings from 42 studies (n = 16 in Mandarin) highlight significant challenges in the provision of quality and quantity of care which suits the preference of users, varying eligibility for long-term care insurance and an inequitable distribution of cost burden. Key recommendations include increasing salaries to attract and retain staff, introduction of mandatory financial contributions from employees and a unified standard of disability with regular assessment. Strengthening support for family caregivers and improving smart old age care capacity can also support preferences to age at home.

Conclusions

China has yet to establish a sustainable funding mechanism, standardised eligibility criteria and a high-quality service delivery system. Its long-term care insurance pilot studies provide useful lessons for other middle-income countries facing similar challenges in terms of meeting the long-term care needs of their rapidly growing older populations.
Availability and affordability of anticancer medicines at cancer treating hospitals in Rwanda
Authors: Rurangwa Clement , Ndayisenga Jerome , Sezirahiga Jurdas , Nyirimigabo Eric
Published: June 2023

Background

Availability and accessibility of anti-cancer medicines is the pillar of cancer management, and it is one of the main concerns in low-income countries including Rwanda. The objective of this study was to assess the availability and affordability of anticancer medicines at cancer-treating hospitals in Rwanda.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 5 cancer-treating hospitals in Rwanda. Quantitative data were collected from stock cards and software that manage medicines and included the availability of anti-cancer medicines at the time of data collection, their stock status within the last two years, and the selling price.

Results

The study found the availability of anti-cancer medicines at 41% in public hospitals at the time of data collection, and 45% within the last two years. We found the availability of anti-cancer medicines at 45% in private hospitals at the time of data collection, and 61% within the last two years. 80% of anti-cancer medicines in private hospitals were unaffordable while 20% were affordable. The public hospital that had most of the anti-cancer medicines in the public sector provided free services to the patients, and no cost was applied to the anti-cancer medicines.

Conclusion

The availability of anti-cancer medicines in cancer-treating hospitals is low in Rwanda, and most of them are unaffordable. There is a need to design strategies that can increase the availability and affordability of anti-cancer medicines, for the patients to get recommended cancer treatment options.
Effect of onset of type 2 diabetes on risks of cardiovascular disease and heart failure among new Zealanders with impaired glucose tolerance over 25 years: tapered-matched landmark analysis
Authors: Yu Dahai , Qu Bingjie , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Pickering Karen , Baker John , MBChB Richard Cutfield , Cai Yamei , Orr-Walker Brandon J , Sundborn Gerhard , Zhao Zhanzheng , Simmons David
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine the association between the incident onset of T2DM and 5- and 10-year risks of CVD and HF in people with IGT identified in primary care in South and West Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) between 1994 and 2019.

Methods

We compared CVD and HF risks in patients with IGT and with/without T2D newly diagnosed within the exposure window (1–5 years). Tapered matching and landmark analysis (to account for immortal bias) were used to control for potential effects of known confounders.

Results

Among 26,794 patients enrolled with IGT, 845 had T2D newly diagnosed within 5 years from enrolment (landmark date) and 15,452 did not have T2D diagnosed. Patients progressing to T2D (vs. those not progressing) had a similar 5-year risk for CVD (hazard ratio 1.19; 95% CI 0.61–2.32) but significantly higher 10-year risk of CVD (2.45(1.40–4.29)), 5-year risk of HF (1.94(1.20–3.12)) and 10-year risk of HF (2.84(1.83–4.39). The association between the onset of T2D and risk of 10-year risk of CVD, 5-year and 10-year risk of HF was more likely among men, the socioeconomically deprived, those currently smoking, patients with higher metabolic measures and/or those with lower renal function. Patients of NZ European ethnicity had a lower 10-year risk of CVD.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the diagnosis of T2D mediates the risk of CVD and HF in people with IGT. The development of risk scores to identify and better manage individuals with IGT at high risk of T2D is warranted.
Educational training to improve opioid overdose response among health center staff: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Stephenson Audrey , Calvo-Friedman Alessandra , Altshuler Lisa , Zabar Sondra , Hanley Kathleen
Published: June 2023

Background

There were seven opioid overdoses in this New York City (NYC) federally qualified health center from December 2018 through February 2019, reflecting the rising rate of overdose deaths in NYC overall at the time. In response to these overdoses, we sought to increase the readiness of health center staff to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses and decrease stigmatizing attitudes around opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

An hour-long training focusing on opioid overdose response was administered to clinical and non-clinical staff of all levels at the health center. This training included didactic education on topics such as the overdose epidemic, stigma around OUD, and opioid overdose response, as well as discussion. A structured assessment was administered immediately before and following the training to evaluate change in knowledge and attitudes. Additionally, participants completed a feedback survey immediately after the training to assess acceptability. Paired t-tests and analysis of variance tests were used to assess changes in pre- and post-test scores.

Results

Over 76% of the health center staff participated in the training (N = 310). There were large and significant increases in mean knowledge and attitudinal scores from pre- to post-test (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). While there was no significant effect of profession on attitudinal change scores, profession did have a significant effect on knowledge change scores, with administrative staff, non-clinical support staff, other healthcare staff, and therapists learning significantly more than providers (p < .001). The training had high acceptability among participants from diverse departments and levels.

Conclusions

An interactive educational training increased staff’s knowledge and readiness to respond to an overdose as well as improved attitudes toward individuals living with OUD. Trial registration: This project was undertaken as a quality improvement initiative at the health center and as such was not formally supervised by the Institutional Review Board per their policies. Further, per the guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, registration is not necessary for clinical trials whose sole purpose is to assess an intervention’s effect on providers.