bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between avian viruses and skin in farm birds
Authors: Souci Laurent , Denesvre Caroline
Published: April 2024

This article reviews the avian viruses that infect the skin of domestic farm birds of primary economic importance: chicken, duck, turkey, and goose. Many avian viruses (e.g., poxviruses, herpesviruses, Influenza viruses, retroviruses) leading to pathologies infect the skin and the appendages of these birds. Some of these viruses (e.g., Marek’s disease virus, avian influenza viruses) have had and/or still have a devasting impact on the poultry economy. The skin tropism of these viruses is key to the pathology and virus life cycle, in particular for virus entry, shedding, and/or transmission. In addition, for some emergent arboviruses, such as flaviviruses, the skin is often the entry gate of the virus after mosquito bites, whether or not the host develops symptoms (e.g., West Nile virus). Various avian skin models, from primary cells to three-dimensional models, are currently available to better understand virus-skin interactions (such as replication, pathogenesis, cell response, and co-infection). These models may be key to finding solutions to prevent or halt viral infection in poultry.
Comparative benefits and harms of perioperative interventions to prevent chronic pain after orthopedic surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Al-Asadi Mohammed , Torabiardakani Kian , Darzi Andrea J. , Gilron Ian , Marcucci Maura , Khan James S. , Chaparro Luis E. , Rosenbloom Brittany N. , Couban Rachel J. , Thomas Andrew , Busse Jason W. , Sadeghirad Behnam
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is common following musculoskeletal and orthopedic surgeries and is associated with impairment and reduced quality of life. Several interventions have been proposed to reduce CPSP; however, there remains uncertainty regarding which, if any, are most effective. We will perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials to assess the comparative benefits and harms of perioperative pharmacological and psychological interventions directed at preventing chronic pain after musculoskeletal and orthopedic surgeries.

Methods

We will search MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to present, without language restrictions. We will include randomised controlled trials that as follows: (1) enrolled adult patients undergoing musculoskeletal or orthopedic surgeries; (2) randomized them to any pharmacological or psychological interventions, or their combination directed at reducing CPSP, placebo, or usual care; and (3) assessed pain at 3 months or more after surgery. Screening for eligible trials, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be performed in duplicate and independently. Our main outcome of interest will be the proportion of surgical patients reporting any pain at ≥ 3 months after surgery. We will also collect data on other patient important outcomes, including pain severity, physical functioning, emotional functioning, dropout rate due to treatment-related adverse event, and overall dropout rate. We will perform a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis to determine the relative treatment effects. When possible, the modifying effect of sex, surgery type and duration, anesthesia type, and veteran status on the effectiveness of interventions will be investigated using network meta-regression. We will use the GRADE approach to assess the certainty evidence and categorize interventions from most to least beneficial using GRADE minimally contextualised approach.

Discussion

This network meta-analysis will assess the comparative effectiveness of pharmacological and psychological interventions directed at preventing CPSP after orthopedic surgery. Our findings will inform clinical decision-making and identify promising interventions for future research.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42023432503.
The cost-efficacy of a healthy food box for managing hypertension within a native American population: a group randomized controlled trial
Authors: Henderson Austin , Rosenman Robert , Fyfe-Johnson Amber L. , Taniguchi Tori , Standridge Joy , Shackleford Tyra , Muller Clemma J. , Umans Jason G , Jernigan Valarie Blue Bird
Published: April 2024

Background

Dietary interventions are used for the treatment of hypertension. We evaluated the cost-efficacy of delivering boxes of healthy, culturally tailored foods and checks that can only be spent on produce in a Native American population.

Methods

We conducted a group randomized controlled trial from 2018 to 2020 with N = 2 treatment counties and N = 2 control counties and a total of N = 160 Native American adults with baseline stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. Participants in the intervention group received monthly boxes of food that adheres to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet as well as checks that could only be spent on produce for 6 months. We measured blood pressure and quality of life at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up in both intervention and control groups. We used ordered logistic regression to estimate the effect of treatment on probability of blood pressure improvements. We then conducted a cost-efficacy analysis.

Results

We found that treatment was effective in reducing blood pressure in women with stage 1 hypertension at baseline. Based on this finding, we also estimate that this intervention satisfies normative cost-effectiveness thresholds, even when lifetime treatment is needed to preserve the impact, so long as treatment is only continued in those who respond to treatment.

Conclusions

Direct delivery of healthy foods and checks that can only be spent on produce are a potentially cost-effective intervention for the management of hypertension among Native American women with stage 1 hypertension. Further research is needed to understand why we found an impact only for this group.
Prior incarceration, restrictive housing, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in a community sample of persons who use drugs
Authors: Hammock James A. , López-Castro Teresa , Fox Aaron D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Criminalization of drugs in the United States (US) has extensive consequences for people who use drugs (PWUD). Incarceration and substance use overlap with 65% of the US prison population meeting substance use disorder (SUD) criteria. Exposure to the criminal-legal system negatively impacts the health of PWUD. PTSD is commonly comorbid with SUDs, and exposure to restrictive housing (RH) during incarceration may worsen mental health. Because PWUD are disproportionately incarcerated, experiences occurring during incarceration, such as RH, may contribute to the development or exacerbation of PTSD and SUDs. This study of PWUD investigated prior criminal-legal system exposure and its association with PTSD symptoms in community-dwelling PWUD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited PWUD from syringe service programs (SSP). Inclusion criteria were: age 18+, current or past opioid use disorder, and SSP enrollment. Data collected included: sociodemographics; incarceration, substance use, SUD treatment history, and PTSD assessments (Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). Bivariate testing and multivariate logistic regression analyses, with probable PTSD as the dependent variable and a three-level variable for criminal legal history as the independent variable, were conducted to determine whether incarceration and RH were associated with probable PTSD.

Results

Of 139 participants, 78% had an incarceration history with 57% of these having a history of RH. 57% of participants screened positive for probable PTSD, and physical assault was the most common traumatic exposure. Any history of incarceration was not associated with probable PTSD diagnosis; however, in multivariate testing, adjusting for age, sex, and substance use, a history of RH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.76, 95% CI 1.27–11.11) was significantly associated with probable PTSD.

Conclusions

RH and PTSD were both exceptionally common in a sample of SSP participants. RH can be detrimental to physical and mental health. Clinicians and policy makers may not consider incarceration as a traumatic experience for PWUD; however, our data suggest that among highly marginalized PWUD, prior exposure to incarceration and RH may add an additional burden to their daily struggles, namely PTSD.
Spatial overlap of gray wolves and ungulate prey changes seasonally corresponding to prey migration
Authors: Wehr Nathaniel H. , Moore Seth A. , Isaac Edmund J. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Prey are more vulnerable during migration due to decreased familiarity with their surroundings and spatially concentrated movements. Predators may respond to increased prey vulnerability by shifting their ranges to match prey. Moose (Alces alces) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are primary gray wolf (Canis lupus) prey and important subsistence species for Indigenous communities. We hypothesized wolves would increase use of ungulate migration corridors during migrations and predicted wolf distributions would overlap primary available prey.

Methods

We examined seasonal gray wolf, moose, and white-tailed deer movements on and near the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, Minnesota, USA. We analyzed GPS collar data during 2012–2021 using Brownian bridge movement models (BBMM) in Migration Mapper and mechanistic range shift analysis (MRSA) to estimate individual- and population-level occurrence distributions and determine the status and timing of range shifts. We estimated proportional overlap of wolf distributions with moose and deer distributions and tested for differences among seasons, prey populations, and wolf sex and pack affiliations.

Results

We identified a single migration corridor through which white-tailed deer synchronously departed in April and returned in October–November. Gray wolf distributions overlapped the deer migration corridor similarly year-round, but wolves altered within-range distributions seasonally corresponding to prey distributions. Seasonal wolf distributions had the greatest overlap with deer during fall migration (10 October–28 November) and greatest overlap with moose during summer (3 May–9 October).

Conclusions

Gray wolves did not increase their use of the white-tailed deer migration corridor but altered distributions within their territories in response to seasonal prey distributions. Greater overlap of wolves and white-tailed deer in fall may be due to greater predation success facilitated by asynchronous deer migration movements. Greater summer overlap between wolves and moose may be linked to moose calf vulnerability, American beaver (Castor canadensis) co-occurrence, and reduced deer abundance associated with migration. Our results suggest increases in predation pressure on deer in fall and moose in summer, which can inform Indigenous conservation efforts. We observed seasonal plasticity of wolf distributions suggestive of prey switching; that wolves did not exhibit migratory coupling was likely due to spatial constraints resulting from territoriality.
Personalized identification and characterization of genome-wide gene expression differences between patient-matched intracranial and extracranial melanoma metastasis pairs
Authors: Kraft Theresa , Grützmann Konrad , Meinhardt Matthias , Meier Friedegund , Westphal Dana , Seifert Michael
Published: April 2024

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that frequently spreads to other organs of the human body. Especially melanoma metastases to the brain (intracranial metastases) are hard to treat and a major cause of death of melanoma patients. Little is known about molecular alterations and altered mechanisms that distinguish intra- from extracranial melanoma metastases. So far, almost all existing studies compared intracranial metastases from one set of patients to extracranial metastases of an another set of melanoma patients. This neglects the important facts that each melanoma is highly individual and that intra- and extracranial melanoma metastases from the same patient are more similar to each other than to melanoma metastases from other patients in the same organ. To overcome this, we compared the gene expression profiles of 16 intracranial metastases to their corresponding 21 patient-matched extracranial metastases in a personalized way using a three-state Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to identify altered genes for each individual metastasis pair. This enabled three major findings by considering the predicted gene expression alterations across all patients: (i) most frequently altered pathways include cytokine-receptor interaction, calcium signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, cAMP signaling, Jak-STAT and PI3K/Akt signaling, (ii) immune-relevant signaling pathway genes were downregulated in intracranial metastases, and (iii) intracranial metastases were associated with a brain-like phenotype gene expression program. Further, the integration of all differentially expressed genes across the patient-matched melanoma metastasis pairs led to a set of 103 genes that were consistently down- or up-regulated in at least 11 of the 16 of the patients. This set of genes contained many genes involved in the regulation of immune responses, cell growth, cellular signaling and transport processes. An analysis of these genes in the TCGA melanoma cohort showed that the expression behavior of 11 genes was significantly associated with survival. Moreover, a comparison of the 103 genes to three closely related melanoma metastasis studies revealed a core set of eight genes that were consistently down- or upregulated in intra- compared to extracranial metastases in at least two of the three related studies (down: CILP, DPT, FGF7, LAMP3, MEOX2, TMEM119; up: GLDN, PMP2) including FGF7 that was also significantly associated with survival. Our findings contribute to a better characterization of genes and pathways that distinguish intra- from extracranial melanoma metastasis and provide important hints for future experimental studies to identify potential targets for new therapeutic approaches.
The pattern of neurological disorders requiring hospitalization during the COVID-19 era: an experience from Fayoum University Hospital, Egypt
Authors: Sayed Sayed S. , El-Khatib Mohamed El-Sayed , Abdelghaffar Mohamed , Metwally Fatma Elzahraa Osman , ElSary Asmaa Younis , Daker Lamiaa I.
Published: April 2024

Background

Coronavirus was primarily discovered in December 2019, causing pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. It was reported several neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19. Both the central and peripheral nervous systems could be affected which might result in a higher mortality rate in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of neurological clinical presentations among patients admitted to Fayoum University Hospital before, during, and after the COVID-19 era and to examine the influence of COVID-19 vaccines mandated by the Egyptian government on neurological disorders.

Methods

This is a historical cohort study that was conducted on patients admitted to the Neurology Department at Fayoum University Hospital before, during, and after COVID-19 outbreaks from January 1st, 2018, to July 31, 2022. All participants had undergone thorough history taking and neurological examination and the necessary investigations according to the suspected diagnosis. All hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were positive for the virus, as determined by either a positive rapid antigen test or a positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

It was shown that the patients hospitalized during the COVID-19 era were notably older, smokers, and diabetic in comparison to other groups. Cerebrovascular disorders were more prevalent in the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, compared to prior times, individuals with autoimmune-mediated neurological diseases had higher hospitalization rates than those with other neurological disorders. Patients who were not vaccinated reported more vascular complications than those who got them. However, patients who received vaccination exhibited significantly higher neurological complications as regards, exacerbation of paroxysmal disorders.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the frequency of hospitalizations with cerebrovascular disorders and autoimmune-mediated illnesses was significantly influenced during the pandemic era. Although COVID-19 vaccinations have potential adverse effects, they have played a crucial role in preventing serious neurological problems.
Investigating sex differences and age of onset in emotion regulation, executive functioning, and cannabis use in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wade Natasha E. , Courtney Kelly E. , Wallace Alexander L. , Hatz Laura , Jacobus Joanna
Published: April 2024

Background

Young adults have historically high levels of cannabis use at a time which coincides with emotional and cognitive development. Age of regular onset of cannabis use and sex at birth are hypothesized to influence the relationship between cannabis use and cognition. Here we investigated past 6-month cannabis use in relation to emotional and executive functioning. We further considered age of onset and sex in subgroup analyses.

Method

Young adults (N = 225; ages 16–22) completed a substance use interview and cognitive battery, including the Emotional Word-Emotional Face Stroop and NIH toolbox executive functioning tasks. Linear regressions examined relationships between past 6-month cannabis use episodes and performance. Subgroup analyses investigated whether age of onset or sex impacted relationships.

Results

After correcting for multiple comparisons, greater past 6-month cannabis use episodes were related to poorer Emotional Stroop Congruent Accuracy (p = .0004, FDR-p = .002) and List Sorting Working Memory (p = .02, FDR-p = .10) performance. Younger age of regular use onset marginally related to lower Emotional Stroop Congruent Accuracy performance (p = .03, FDR-p = .13). There were no cannabis use by sex interactions on cognition.

Conclusions

Consistent with prior findings, results suggest small reductions in cannabis-related performance in processing speed during emotional Stroop and working memory tasks. Age of onset was modestly related to Stroop performance, but not sex. Longitudinal studies which detail patterns of cannabis and other substance use are needed to better assess brain-behavior relationships and other factors (e.g., age of onset of regular use, sex) which could influence cannabis-related impairments in cognitive functioning.
Elastic time-reverse imaging of backscattered surface-wave data
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Girard Aaron J. , Oren Can , Krahenbuhl Richard
Published: April 2024

Imaging shallow near-vertical or short-wavelength structure using seismic data is an important goal in near-surface geophysical applications. Numerous seismic analysis approaches use backscattered analysis of surface waves for these purposes; however, there is a need for new associated frameworks that can take advantage of these events to generate interpretable images in the depth-migrated domain. By drawing a connection with elastic time-reverse imaging (E-TRI) approaches developed for microseismic event analysis, an efficient elastic migration approach is developed that uses two adjoint wavefields defined by partitioned outward-propagating transmission and inward-propagating scattered surface-wave data. Subsurface images are generated by applying the energy-norm imaging condition that correlates temporally and spatially colocated energy throughout the two time-reversed adjoint wavefield domains. Synthetic tests highlight the ability of the E-TRI framework to image shallow (quasi)vertical subsurface discontinuities. Results from a field test using near-surface seismic data acquired in the Majes region of Arequipa, Peru, demonstrate the ability of the E-TRI framework to highlight short-wavelength structure identified in a parallel elastic full-waveform inversion analysis. The results suggest that the E-TRI technique should be applicable in a range of near-surface geotechnical and environmental applications.
Information scrambling —A quantum thermodynamic perspective
Authors: Touil Akram , Deffner Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Recent advances in quantum information science have shed light on the intricate dynamics of quantum many-body systems, for which quantum information scrambling is a perfect example. Motivated by considerations of the thermodynamics of quantum information, this perspective aims at synthesizing key findings from several pivotal studies and exploring various aspects of quantum scrambling. We consider quantifiers such as the out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) and the quantum mutual information, their connections to thermodynamics, and their role in understanding chaotic vs. integrable quantum systems. With a focus on representative examples, we cover a range of topics, including the thermodynamics of quantum information scrambling, and the scrambling dynamics in quantum gravity models such as the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. Examining these diverse approaches enables us to highlight the multifaceted nature of quantum information scrambling and its significance in understanding the fundamental aspects of quantum many-body dynamics at the intersection of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
Consensus Statement on Vitamin D Status Assessment and Supplementation: Whys, Whens, and Hows
Authors: Giustina Andrea , Bilezikian John P , Adler Robert A , Banfi Giuseppe , Bikle Daniel D , Binkley Neil C , Bollerslev Jens , Bouillon Roger , Brandi Maria Luisa , Casanueva Felipe F , di Filippo Luigi , Donini Lorenzo M , Ebeling Peter R , Fuleihan Ghada El-Hajj , Fassio Angelo , Frara Stefano , Jones Glenville , Marcocci Claudio , Martineau Adrian R , Minisola Salvatore , Napoli Nicola , Procopio Massimo , Rizzoli René , Schafer Anne L , Sempos Christopher T , Ulivieri Fabio Massimo , Virtanen Jyrki K
Published: April 2024

The 6th International Conference, “Controversies in Vitamin D,” was convened to discuss controversial topics, such as vitamin D metabolism, assessment, actions, and supplementation. Novel insights into vitamin D mechanisms of action suggest links with conditions that do not depend only on reduced solar exposure or diet intake and that can be detected with distinctive noncanonical vitamin D metabolites. Optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels remain debated. Varying recommendations from different societies arise from evaluating different clinical or public health approaches. The lack of assay standardization also poses challenges in interpreting data from available studies, hindering rational data pooling and meta-analyses. Beyond the well-known skeletal features, interest in vitamin D's extraskeletal effects has led to clinical trials on cancer, cardiovascular risk, respiratory effects, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and mortality. The initial negative results are likely due to enrollment of vitamin D-replete individuals. Subsequent post hoc analyses have suggested, nevertheless, potential benefits in reducing cancer incidence, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular events, and diabetes. Oral administration of vitamin D is the preferred route. Parenteral administration is reserved for specific clinical situations. Cholecalciferol is favored due to safety and minimal monitoring requirements. Calcifediol may be used in certain conditions, while calcitriol should be limited to specific disorders in which the active metabolite is not readily produced in vivo. Further studies are needed to investigate vitamin D effects in relation to the different recommended 25(OH)D levels and the efficacy of the different supplementary formulations in achieving biochemical and clinical outcomes within the multifaced skeletal and extraskeletal potential effects of vitamin D.
Clathrin assemblies at a glance
Authors: Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Montagnac Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Clathrin assembles into honeycomb-like lattices at the plasma membrane but also on internal membranes, such as at the Golgi and tubular endosomes. Clathrin assemblies primarily regulate the intracellular trafficking of different cargoes, but clathrin also has non-endocytic functions in cell adhesion through interactions with specific integrins, contributes to intraluminal vesicle formation by forming flat bilayered coats on endosomes and even assembles on kinetochore k-fibers during mitosis. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review our current knowledge on the different types of canonical and non-canonical membrane-associated clathrin assemblies in mammalian cells, as observed by thin-section or platinum replica electron microscopy in various cell types, and discuss how the structural plasticity of clathrin contributes to its functional diversity.
Community social responsibility of continued and appropriate use of silver amalgam as dental restorative material in southern India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Vasthare Ramprasad , Ballal Nidambur Vasudev , Nayak Prajna P , Kamath Pujan , Singla Nishu , Hegde Thrisha
Published: April 2024

Background For more than 150 years, dental amalgam (DA) has been popular as a dental restorative material. Many organizations oppose its use due to perceived toxicity and environmental concerns. Hence, this study aimed to explore the continued use of DA from a South Indian dental practitioners’ perspective. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among fifty-two private and public dental practitioners of Udupi district in Southern India. A self‑administered questionnaire was distributed, that involved assessment of their preferences, continuation of use and concerns of using DA as a restorative material. The percentage contribution of each variable was calculated. Preferences for continuation of use of silver amalgam based upon the age, experience and mercury toxicity as a risk factor were analyzed using Students-t test and Chi-square test. Results Most dentists were satisfied (87%) with the results of the DA, found minimal failures (96%) and found DA more economical (89%). More than half (54%) of the participants reported that they would not continue the use of DA owing to mercury toxicity and environmental concerns. Dentists with higher age and longer clinical experience preferred continuation of DA. Conclusions Despite satisfaction with DA for its minimal failure, longevity and affordability, the authors found that most practitioners did not prefer its continued usage. This highlights their concerns over mercury toxicity and soft tissue lesions and accentuates their community social responsibility. There is also an urgent need to educate dentists on mercury hygiene, mercury waste management and disposal.
Efficacy of sweet orange peels (citrus sinensis l.) 0.1% extract cream on improvement of axillary postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Authors: Oei Felicia , Putra Imam Budi , Jusuf Nelva Karmila
Published: April 2024

Background Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not harmful but can affect appearance and quality of life. It occurs due to increased melanin production after cutaneous injury or inflammation. Axillary hyperpigmentation, one of the commonly acquired hypermelanosis, raises concern, and treatment regarding this condition is still evolving. Sweet orange contains several components that can improve pigmentation through tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms. The objective was to determine the efficacy of sweet orange peel extract cream on axillary hyperpigmentation. Methods This quasi-experimental study is a pretest-posttest design on 32 subjects with axillary hyperpigmentation. Diagnosis is established through history taking and clinical evaluation. Evaluation of melanin index using Mexameter® MX18 was carried out at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Clinical evaluation improvement made using Physician Global Assessment. Side effects and satisfaction during the study are also recorded. The data is processed using the Friedman test, with p <0.05 considered significant. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in melanin index on axillary hyperpigmentation (p<0.01) after eight weeks of administration of 0.1% sweet orange peel extract cream. In this study, there were clinical improvements and no side effects in the subjects. All subjects were satisfied with the result of the application of 0.1% sweet orange peel extract cream. Conclusions The use of 0.1% sweet orange peel extract cream can improve axillary postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Management of traumatic brain injury in India: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mittal Gaurav , Prasad Roshan , Eric Adrien Tangmi Djabo
Published: April 2024

Abstract* Introduction This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to evaluate the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in India, addressing a critical gap in the understanding and treatment of TBI in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite advancements in healthcare focusing primarily on communicable diseases, TBI remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. Recent interest has surged in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a novel treatment for TBI, necessitating a comprehensive review of its therapeutic benefits. Methodology The study will source articles from PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, targeting a range of studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and cohort studies. The review will exclude case series, review articles, and studies not reported in English. The primary aim is to collate evidence-based data on TBI management, with particular focus on the Indian healthcare context, evaluating the efficacy of current treatments and the potential role of PRP in enhancing neurological function and recovery post-TBI. Data management will involve a rigorous selection process, with independent reviewers conducting initial screenings and resolving discrepancies through discussion or arbitration. A PRISMA flow diagram will illustrate the study selection procedure, and a standardized form will be used for data extraction, ensuring thoroughness and consistency. Conclusion By highlighting current knowledge gaps, this systematic review and meta-analysis will guide future research directions and clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing TBI management strategies in LMICs. This protocol underscores the necessity for high-quality, evidence-based approaches to TBI treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes through enhanced management practices.
Where Does Advertising Content Lead You? We Created a Bookstore to Find Out
Authors: Morozov Ilya , Tuchman Anna
Published: April 2024

We conduct an experiment in a simulated online bookstore to study how consumers respond to display ads with varied content.
Earnings Management via Not-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
Authors: Luo Mei , Zhang Frank , Zhang Xinyi
Published: April 2024

We investigate an unexplored mechanism of earnings management: income shifting from not-wholly-owned subsidiaries to help the parent company avoid losses at the expense of subsidiaries. Consolidated net income attributable to the parent company (i.e., net income) increases through this mechanism, as the parent company enjoys the full amount of the shifted earnings rather than sharing them with minority investors. We design an empirical model to directly estimate the amount of income shifted from subsidiaries to parent firms. Employing this measure, we find that firms opportunistically decrease earnings of their not-wholly-owned subsidiaries to manage net income upward to avoid losses. The results are stronger for firms with high noncontrolling ownership, firms with large subsidiaries, firms with strong influence over not-wholly-owned subsidiaries, and firms with a high level of related-party transactions. Our results are robust to alternative research designs, including controls for within-firm variations, alternative earnings thresholds, propensity score matching, and entropy balancing techniques. Our mechanism of earnings management is generalizable to other earnings management scenarios, such as share pledging.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.

Funding: X. Zhang thanks the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72102243] for financial support. M. Luo thank the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 71840011], and the Research Center for Digital Financial Assets at School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03090 .
Undergraduate Goal Orientations Across the Globe: Does the 3 X 2 Model Hold Up?
Authors: Greve Maren , Richmond Aaron S. , Beziat Tara L. R. , Davis Otavaia N. , Moore Keegan L. , Was Christopher A.
Published: April 2024

Recently, a large-scale study of college students’ motivation orientations when they transitioned to online learning because of the global COVID-19 pandemic found that unlike prior studies, in the 3 x 2 goal orientation framework the standard for competence (self, other, task) was of greater importance than valence (approach, avoidant). Moreover, previous research found students’ different goal orientations related to how they responded to the shutdown academically from both volition and social perspectives. We investigated whether a three-factor model would replicate with unique undergraduate cross-cultural samples, and we wanted to examine how students with different goal orientations responded to the shutdown of their universities due to the pandemic. Students from a U.S. university and students from Oman completed a 44-item goal orientation survey, a demographic survey, and an 11-item survey to assess students’ experiences following the pandemic. Results indicate that students who set task-based goals were less likely to have negative experiences related to the social aspects of the pandemic and those students who had negative responses to the lack of social contact were also expected to have lower grades.

 
Enhancement of Biological Activities and Phytochemical Compounds of Oryza sativa L. Extract through Probiotic Fermentation
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Pothirat Panipak , Wattananapakasem Isara ,   Program of Food Technology, Maejo University-Phrae Campus, Phrae, 54140, Thailand, Leelapornpisid Pimporn ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Koonyosying Pimpisid ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Yaowiwat Nara ,   School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand, Nawong Siriwan ,   Synchrotron Light Research Inst. (SLRI), Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand, Poomanee Worrapan ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmeceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to enhance the biological effects and phytochemical content of probiotic fermented red jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.) extract to apply as a functional ingredient in anti-aging application. In addition, safety evaluation in terms of cytotoxicity and irritation profile were explored. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were used to ferment the aqueous extract of red jasmine rice to produce fermented extracts as BG and LRB, respectively. The biological potentials in terms of antioxidation, anti-enzymatic effects and anti-inflammation with cytotoxicity of fermented extracts were evaluated and compared with nonfermented extract. In addition, alteration in phytochemical constituents of the probiotic-fermented extracts from nonfermented extract were illustrated by synchrotron radiation–based–FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-FT-IR). The results revealed that BG and LRB demonstrated improved antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects compared to the control. Additionally, BG and LRB significantly increased the total phenolic contents corresponding to the enhanced biofunctional effects confirmed by SR-FT-IR. Moreover, BG showed a satisfactory safety in human skin cell lines and Hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane. This study implied augmentative effect of probiotic fermentation on the bioactive efficacy of red jasmine rice. Additionally, the safety investigation confirmed that this fermented extract could be used as a functional novel ingredient for anti-aging nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.
Virtual teaching of paediatric surgical skills during the COVID-19 pandemic: a feasibility report
Authors: Nasher O , Smith K , Jobson M , Carter H
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

The provision of surgical training worldwide has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK, associations and medical bodies have been trying to introduce innovative measures to ensure continuity of training and progression of medical professionals. In order to mitigate the training disruption caused by the pandemic, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of virtual teaching of bowel anastomosis in paediatric surgery.

METHODS

A paediatric surgery surgical skills day was held, during which the teaching was delivered virtually via the MedAll platform. Candidates were divided into pairs according to their level of training and one faculty member was allocated to each pair. The surgical task consisted of a small bowel anastomosis, which was performed on a model made of scuba bodycon fabric to simulate the layers of the bowel wall. A pre-course demonstration video and the required surgical equipment were provided to the candidates in advance. Candidate satisfaction was audited using a post-course questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventeen candidates attended the course and thirteen completed the post-course survey. Training grades ranged from medical student to junior doctor. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents felt that the pre-course material was satisfactory. Ninety-two per cent found the pre-course video helpful to understand the task. Ninety-two per cent stated that the high candidate-to-faculty ratio (2:1) benefited their learning experience. Seventy-seven per cent found the virtual experience to be beneficial to their surgical skills development.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual teaching may offer a useful adjunct to traditional methods of surgical training in paediatric surgery, especially in circumstances when face-to-face simulation learning is not feasible.
Digital image characteristics for enhanced interpretation in child sexual violence case examinations
Authors: Budiningsih Yuli , Purwadianto Agus , Yudhistira Aria , Budiarso Agusalam
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND Photography is an integrated part of standard forensic examination procedures, acting as a guide and the evidence itself. Despite its potential, no research has yet explored the use of 35mm format cameras (digital single-lens reflex [DSLR]) in sexual violence cases. This study aimed to assess the impact of DSLR camera image characteristics on the interpretation of child sexual abuse cases.
METHODS This cross-sectional study used 55 digital photos selected through a convenience sampling. The samples were interpreted by two independent forensic experts who were not affiliated with this research and were compared with the results of the doctor’s examination from the medical records.
RESULTS The metadata extraction results (EXIF data) indicated that all characteristic values had an abnormal distribution. The digital photos’ characteristics were associated with the use of a 50mm focal length (p = 0.011). A range of lens opening values (aperture = f7.1–f8.0), shutter speed (1/100–1/125 sec), and sensor sensitivity (ISO = 800–1600) were not associated with the experts’ interpretation conformity. Additionally, the conformity index for the overall interpretation by the two forensic experts differed in each area.
CONCLUSIONS Focal length of 50mm was significantly related to interpretation conformity. The exposure triangle settings, including aperture (f7.1–f8.0), shutter speed (1/100–1/125 sec), and ISO (800–1600), can serve as fundamental guidelines for digital camera settings in examining child sexual violence cases.
Mind the Audience: Forensic Rhetoric, Persuasion, and Identification by Reference to the Social Identity of Athenian dikastai
Authors: Adamidis Vasileios
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This paper highlights the importance of an audience-centric approach in the study of Athenian forensic rhetoric and leverages insights from Social Identity Theory and Burke's concept of 'identification' to examine courtroom speeches. Litigants, perceiving the Athenian dikastai as a distinct group marked by a salient social identity, rhetorically employed the group's prototypes, norms, and interests to establish their identification—and underscore the opponent's division—with the audience. This prominent role of social identity and the potential for jury bias affecting the large audiences of dikastai prompt a reconsideration of the nature of Athenian trials and suggest that, in addition to upholding the law, Athenian courts functioned as platforms for the imposition of social and legal conformity.
Two-dimensional Keitz method for the radiant power measurement of planar ultraviolet excilamps
Authors: Zhu Qianwen , Li Fusheng , Han Qiuyi , Zhang Shanduan
Published: April 2024

Planar XeBr∗ and XeCl∗ excilamps emitting noncoherent narrowband UVB light (280–315 nm) are now widely used to cure psoriasis and vitiligo as well as to improve vitamin D synthesis. The two-dimensional integral formula has been deducted in this study, which is a good method and has great practical significance to calculate the total radiant power and assess the energy efficiency of a planar UV lamp. The measured radiant power of planar white LED lamps through a two-dimensional Keitz formula has been compared to that of gonio-photometer, verifying the applicability of the formula. The optimum measurement distance is dependent on the lamp length (1.5L≤D≤3.5L) for which the derivation from the two methods can be controlled within 10%. The planar XeBr∗ excilamps have been measured and compared to coaxial excilamps, which show similar patterns of change for the radiant characteristics. Since the planar radiant power formula only needs to measure normal illuminance at a certain distance from the symmetric center of the lamp, it is more convenient to use and is a low-cost method to promote the development of large-sized planar ultraviolet lamps.
Fiber Bragg grating sensing system for temperature measurements based on optically injected DFB-LD with an OEO loop
Authors: Lin Jiahui , Chen Hao , Dai Weiyu , Alsalman Osamah , Xie Tongtong , Shen Qiuyi , Zhu Chen , Chen Daru
Published: April 2024

A novel fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system, based on an optically injected distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) with an optoelectronic oscillating (OEO) loop, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for temperature measurements with high and tunable sensitivity. The FBG sensor device works as an edge filter to adjust the optical power of the injected beam in response to temperature variations. The optically injected DFB-LD works at Period-one (P1) oscillating state, and the central wavelength of the oscillating mode of the DFB-LD can be tuned by the variable power of the injected beam. Furthermore, an OEO loop is implemented to improve the signal quality of the generated P1 microwave signal. Hence, the sensing parameter of temperature is converted to the frequency variation of the generated P1 microwave signal in the proposed sensing system. In the proof-of-concept experiment, a series of P1 microwave signals are generated while different temperatures are applied to the FBG sensor. The sensitivity of the proposed FBG sensing system for temperature measurements can be tuned from 0.44322 GHz/°C to 1.25952 GHz/°C. The stability and repeatability experiments are also performed, demonstrating the high measurement accuracy (0.0629°C) and low error of the system. The proposed FBG-based sensing and interrogation system exhibits high sensitivity, large tunability, good linearity, and flexible sensing generality.
Tailoring whispering-gallery fields in optical black hole cavities
Authors: Ba Qingtao , Xiao Wen , Zhu Shan , Chen Jin-hui , Chen Huanyang
Published: April 2024

The ability to confine light has great significance in both fundamental science and practical applications. Optical black hole (OBH) cavities show intriguing zero radiation loss and strong field confinement. In this work, we systematically explore the whispering gallery mode (WGM) in a group of generalized OBH cavities, featuring bound states and strong field confinement. The field confinement in generalized OBH cavities is revealed to be enhanced with the increase of index-modulation factors, resulting from the increase of a potential barrier. Furthermore, we reveal the anomalous external resonant modes, exhibiting fascinating field enhancement in the low-index region far beyond the cavity boundary. These anomalous WGMs are attributed to the potential bending effect and above-barrier resonance. Our work may shed light on tailoring WGM fields in gradient-index cavities and find potential applications in light coupling and optical sensing.
Impact of pump-phase noise in PPLN-based optical parametric amplifier and wavelength converter for digital coherent transmission
Authors: Shimizu Shimpei , Kawai Akira , Kobayashi Takayuki , Nakamura Masanori , Kazama Takushi , Abe Masashi , Enbutsu Koji , Umeki Takeshi , Miyamoto Yutaka
Published: April 2024

Wideband signal amplification and optical signal processing with a high gain using an optical parametric amplifier based on a periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) waveguide is attractive for constructing wideband optical fiber networks. We experimentally investigate the transfer characteristics of the phase noise of a pump laser in χ(2)-based optical parametric amplification and wavelength conversion on the basis of second-harmonic-generation and differential-frequency-generation processes. We also evaluate the effect of the transferred phase noise on signal quality in dispersion-unmanaged digital coherent fiber transmission systems. We show that the phase noise is transferred only to the wavelength-converted idler and does not affect the amplified signal even by using a pump laser with a MHz-order linewidth. We also show that the phase noise transferred to the idler light can have a similar impact on signal quality as equalization-enhanced phase noise (EEPN) in digital coherent transmission. The signal penalty including EEPN was evaluated with several pump lasers and at symbol rates of 32, 64, and 96 Gbaud. We also propose a method of using correlated pump lights between a wavelength converter pair to cancel out the transfer of phase noise.