bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Their own worst enemy? Collective narcissists are willing to conspire against their in‐group
Authors: Biddlestone Mikey , Cichocka Aleksandra , Główczewski Michał , Cislak Aleksandra
Published: May 2022

Collective narcissism – a belief in in‐group greatness that is not appreciated by others – is associated with using one's group for personal benefits. Across one pilot and four studies, we demonstrated that collective narcissism predicts readiness to conspire against in‐group members (rmeta‐analysis = .24). In Study 1, conducted in Poland (N = 361), collective narcissism measured in the context of national identity predicted readiness to engage in secret surveillance against one's own country's citizens. In Study 2 (N = 174; pre‐registered), collective narcissism in UK workplace teams predicted intentions to engage in conspiracies against co‐workers. In Study 3 (N = 471; pre‐registered), US national narcissism predicted intentions to conspire against fellow citizens. Furthermore, conspiracy intentions accounted for the relationship between collective narcissism and beliefs in conspiracy theories about the in‐group. Finally, in Study 4 (N = 1064; pre‐registered), we corroborated the link between Polish national narcissism and conspiracy intentions against fellow citizens, further showing that these intentions were only directed towards group members that were perceived as moderately or strongly typical of the national in‐group (but not when perceived in‐group typicality was low). In‐group identification was either negatively related (Studies 1 and 2) or unrelated (Studies 3 and 4) to conspiracy intentions (rmeta‐analysis = .04). We discuss implications for research on conspiracy theories and populism.
The feasibility of endourological surgery in low‐resource settings
Authors: Watson Graham , Niang Lamine , Chandresekhar Srinath , Natchagande Gilles , Payne Stephen R.
Published: May 2022

One of the widest variations in contemporary surgical practice between high and low, or low‐middle, income countries is the utilisation of endoscopy as a means of treating urological pathology. The endoscopic management of lower urinary tract problems such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder cancer and urethral strictures was established in the UK in the late 1970s, whilst its adoption into everyday practice in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) has been significantly retarded. It is still neither a major feature of urological training in those countries nor widely available to the patients that established consultants treat. Likewise, the explosion of less invasive technologies for treating upper tract stone disease in the 1980s, particularly the management of renal stone disease, has also lagged behind practice established in the UK over the last 40 years. This is not due to a lack of patients who could be treated endoscopically or restricted by the abilities of the surgeons in SSA. The restraint in assumption of these less‐invasive management options is rather due to the physical availability of trained specialist surgeons, their access to basic infrastructure such as electricity and water, access to endoscopes and the peripheral equipment necessary to successfully deploy them, and the ability of patients to afford the disposable items required for less‐invasive forms of management. Some endoscopic procedures are viable in resource‐poor settings. However, they are largely dependent upon the supply of equipment from non‐governmental organisations in high‐income countries, frugal innovation to reduce individual procedure costs, adequately skilled mentors, and maintenance and supply chains to make them a durable option in patient management. Urolink and the Medi Tech Trust present their experience of how endoscopic surgery can be taught, and used sustainably, in a resource‐poor healthcare environment.
Coordination between phospholipid pools and DNA damage sensing
Authors: Ovejero Sara , Soulet Caroline , Kumanski Sylvain , Moriel‐Carretero María
Published: May 2022

Background

Both phospholipid synthesis and the detection of DNA damage are coupled to cell cycle progression, yet whether these two aspects crosstalk to each other remains unassessed. We postulate here that shortage of phospholipids, which negatively affects proliferation, may reduce the need for checkpoint activation in response to DNA damage.

Results

To test this hypothesis, we explore here the DNA Damage Response activation in response to seven different genotoxins, in three distinct cell types, and manipulate phospholipid synthesis both pharmacologically and genetically. This allows us to point at the DNA damage response kinase ATR as responsible for the coordination between phospholipid levels and DNA damage sensing.

Conclusions and Significance

ATR could combine its ability to sense DNA damage and phospholipid profiles in order to finetune the response to DNA lesions depending on metabolic cues. Further, our analysis reveals the functional significance of this crosstalk to keep genome homeostasis.
Review of delta‐8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9‐THC
Authors: Tagen Michael , Klumpers Linda E.
Published: May 2022

The use of the intoxicating cannabinoid delta‐8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC) has grown rapidly over the last several years. There have been dozens of Δ8‐THC studies dating back over many decades, yet no review articles have comprehensively covered these findings. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological studies of Δ8‐THC, including receptor binding, cell signalling, in vivo cannabimimetic activity, clinical activity and pharmacokinetics. We give special focus to studies that directly compared Δ8‐THC to its more commonly studied isomer, Δ9‐THC. Overall, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Δ8‐THC and Δ9‐THC are very similar. Δ8‐THC is a partial agonist of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and has cannabimimetic activity in both animals and humans. The reduced potency of Δ8‐THC in clinical studies compared with Δ9‐THC can be explained by weaker cannabinoid CB1 receptor affinity, although there are other plausible mechanisms that may contribute. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge of Δ8‐THC pharmacology where further studies are needed, particularly in humans.
N‐terminal alterations turn the gut hormone GLP‐2 into an antagonist with gradual loss of GLP‐2 receptor selectivity towards more GLP‐1 receptor interaction
Authors: Gabe Maria Buur Nordskov , Gasbjerg Lærke Smidt , Gadgaard Sarina , Lindquist Peter , Holst Jens Juul , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

To fully elucidate the regulatory role of the GLP‐2 system in the gut and the bones, potent and selective GLP‐2 receptor (GLP‐2R) antagonists are needed. Searching for antagonist activity, we performed systematic N‐terminal truncations of human GLP‐2(1‐33).

Experimental Approach

COS‐7 cells were transfected with the human GLP‐2R and assessed for cAMP accumulation or competition binding using 125I‐GLP‐2(1‐33)[M10Y]. To examine selectivity, COS‐7 cells expressing human GLP‐1 or GIP receptors were assessed for cAMP accumulation.

Key Results

Affinity of the N‐terminally truncated GLP‐2 peptides for the GLP‐2 receptor decreased with reduced N‐terminal peptide length (Ki 6.5–871 nM), while increasing antagonism appeared with inhibitory potencies (IC50) values from 79 to 204 nM for truncation up to GLP‐2(4‐33) and then declined. In contrast, truncation‐dependent increases in intrinsic activity were observed from an Emax of only 20% for GLP‐(2‐33) up to 46% for GLP‐2(6‐33) at 1 μM, followed by a decline. GLP‐2(9‐33) had the highest intrinsic efficacy (Emax 65%) and no antagonistic properties. Moreover, with truncations up to GLP‐2(8‐33), a gradual loss in selectivity for the GLP‐2 receptor appeared with increasing GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) inhibition (up to 73% at 1 μM). Lipidation of the peptides improved antagonism (IC50 down to 7.9 nM) for both the GLP‐2 and the GLP‐1R.

Conclusion and Implications

The N‐terminus of GLP‐2 is crucial for GLP‐2R activity and selectivity. Our observations form the basis for the development of tool compounds for further characterization of the GLP‐2 system.
Machine learning diagnosis by immunoglobulinN‐glycan signatures for precision diagnosis of urological diseases
Authors: Iwamura Hiromichi , Mizuno Kei , Akamatsu Shusuke , Hatakeyama Shingo , Tobisawa Yuki , Narita Shintaro , Narita Takuma , Yamashita Shinichi , Kawamura Sadafumi , Sakurai Toshihiko , Fujita Naoki , Kodama Hirotake , Noro Daisuke , Kakizaki Ikuko , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Itoh Ken , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Ito Akihiro , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara , Yoneyama Tohru
Published: May 2022

Early diagnosis of urological diseases is often difficult due to the lack of specific biomarkers. More powerful and less invasive biomarkers that can be used simultaneously to identify urological diseases could improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate a urological disease‐specific scoring system established with a machine learning (ML) approach using IgN‐glycan signatures. ImmunoglobulinN‐glycan signatures were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis from 1312 serum subjects with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (n = 234), castration‐resistant prostate cancer (n = 94), renal cell carcinoma (n = 100), upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (n = 105), bladder cancer (n = 176), germ cell tumors (n = 73), benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 95), urosepsis (n = 145), and urinary tract infection (n = 21) as well as healthy volunteers (n = 269). ImmunoglobulinN‐glycan signature data were used in a supervised‐ML model to establish a scoring system that gave the probability of the presence of a urological disease. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The supervised‐ML urologic disease‐specific scores clearly discriminated the urological diseases (AUC 0.78–1.00) and found a distinctN‐glycan pattern that contributed to detect each disease. Limitations included the retrospective and limited pathological information regarding urological diseases. The supervised‐ML urological disease‐specific scoring system based on IgN‐glycan signatures showed excellent diagnostic ability for nine urological diseases using a one‐time serum collection and could be a promising approach for the diagnosis of urological diseases.
Biometry and corneal aberrations after cataract surgery in childhood
Authors: Hansen Mathias Møller , Bach‐Holm Daniella , Kessel Line
Published: May 2022

Background

To report long‐term biometric and refractive outcomes in a group of Danish children after surgery for childhood cataract.

Methods

Children between 7 and 18 years who had undergone uni‐ or bilateral cataract surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, were examined in this cross‐sectional study. Swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) based optical biometry (IOLmaster 700) and anterior tomography (Pentacam) was performed. Healthy fellow eyes from those with unilateral cataract were used as controls.

Results

We included 56 children in the study with a median age at surgery of 43.8 months (1.6–137.6). The amount of higher order aberrations was significantly increased in operated eyes (median root mean square 0.461 μm [range 0.264–1.484]) compared with non‐operated eyes (median root mean square 0.337 μm [range 0.162–0.498], p < 0.001). Younger age at surgery was positively associated with more higher order aberrations at follow‐up (p < 0.001), but we found no significant associations between the amount of higher order aberrations and visual acuity or contrast vision. Longer axial length was associated to glaucoma while shorter axial length was associated to strabismus (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Eyes operated for childhood cataract have higher order aberrations compared with non‐operated eyes. Higher order aberrations are complex refractive errors that cannot be corrected by normal lenses and may contribute to poor visual outcomes for the children. We found an association between young age at surgery and higher order aberrations.
Evaluation of implant placement following ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets: Three‐year results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Liping , Hu Wenjie , Liu Yunsong , Chung Kwok‐Hung
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the 3‐year implant‐related outcomes following alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets.

Material and methods

Thirty implants were placed in 26 patients following either ridge preservation (test, n = 16) or natural healing (control, n = 14) at deficient molar extraction sites after a 6‐month healing period. The need for additional augmentation procedures at implant placement was recorded. Patients were assessed for 3 years following a definitive restoration. Patient information being collected included modified plaque index, the modified sulcus bleeding index, the peri‐implant probing depth clinically, and alterations of marginal bone level (MBL) radiographically.

Results

There was a 100% survival rate of implants in both groups after 3‐year follow‐up. During implant placement operation, 35.7% in the control group and 6.3% in the test group required additional augmentation procedures. No statistically significant differences were determined for peri‐implant parameters and marginal bone levels between the two groups. The overall mean difference of MBL was 0.072 mm (95% CI [−0.279, 0.423]) during the 3 years of follow‐up. The success rate was 81.2% in the test and 78.6% in the control group.

Conclusions

Implants placed into periodontally compromised molar‐extracted sites after ridge augmentation resulted in comparable outcomes to implant placement at naturally healed sites after 3‐year functional loading. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR‐ONN‐16009433).
Reliability of the heart rate variability threshold during treadmill exercise
Authors: Hargens Trent A. , Chambers Shane , Luden Nicholas D. , Womack Christopher J.
Published: May 2022

The heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) is a clinical parameter used to gain insight into autonomic balance. Prior validation of the HRVT has been with cycle ergometry, with no studies examining the viability of treadmill exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the HRVT during treadmill exercise, and to compare the HRVT to the ventilatory threshold (VT). Ten healthy, college‐aged males completed two maximal graded exercise tests on a treadmill. A Polar RS800CX watch was used for heart rate and HRVT data. The HRVT was determined from three HRV variables including the root mean square of successive differences of continuous R−R intervals (RMSSD), the standard deviation of normal R−R intervals (SDNN) and the standard deviation of instantaneous beat intervals (SD1). A metabolic cart was utilized to determine the VT. Results showed no difference between the HRVT (2.4 ± 0.6 and 2.2 ± 0.3 for RMSSD, 2.8 ± 0.5 and 2.7 ± 0.5 for SDNN and 2.4 ± 0.6 and 2.3 ± 0.6 for SD1) or the VT (3.0 ± 0.3 and 3.1 ± 0.3) between trials. When compared to the VT, averaged HRVT values for RMSSD (2.3 ± 0.3) and SD1 (2.3 ± 0.5) were lower than averaged VT (2.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.05). The averaged HRVT from SDNN (2.8 ± 0.5) did not differ from the VT. These results suggest that treadmill is a viable mode for HRVT determination, and that HRVT determined by SDNN may be a better comparison to the VT.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor therapy after heart transplant: From molecular basis to clinical effects
Authors: Masarone Daniele , Tedford Ryan J. , Melillo Enrico , Petraio Andrea , Pacileo Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

The use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors is an important therapy for various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart failure (HF). In heart transplant recipients, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors have been demonstrated to be a keystone for the treatment of hypertension with a wide spectrum of pleiotropic molecular effects ranging from improvement of the peripheral vascular system to regulation of the fluid and sodium balance. In addition, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors may be also useful in the prevention of graft failure, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Further tailored multicenter and randomized studies are warranted to confirm the pleiotropic clinical effects of ACEi therapy in HTRs and to support more extended use in daily clinical practice. Finally in the near future, the use of novel pharmacological agents that inhibit the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) such as the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril should be investigated in heart transplant recipients.
‘Impairments of the brain’: Global South perspectives on childhood neurodevelopmental disability
Authors: Bannink Mbazzi Femke , Kawesa Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2022

The word ‘disability’ does not exist in most African languages. There are words for impairments that describe the ‘missing’ or affected body parts, but no specific words to characterize, for instance, neurodevelopmental conditions. In this narrative review we focus on the different interpretations of neurodevelopmental conditions in Uganda and discuss the importance of cultural concepts and the intersectionality of family‐centred care, poverty, and neocolonialism when working with children with ‘impairments of the brain’. We suggest that these concepts should be taken into consideration in health care service provision and public health awareness campaigns, and the need to rethink how disabled children can be included in a ‘global’ health approach. We explain how applying biomedical categories used in the Global North to diagnose children is only ethical if this information will benefit the child and is accompanied by supportive actions that are relevant to the child and family setting. We argue for the enhancement of community‐based structures of belonging and interdependence that are already in place and strengthening of family and community networks to continue the care and co‐responsibility for children with ‘impairments of the brain’.

What this paper adds

Cultural concepts, family‐centred care, poverty, and neocolonialism are key in defining disability in the Global South.

Diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition should be accompanied by supportive actions relevant to the child's setting.

Interventions need to build on family and community‐based structures of belonging and interdependence.

Health care services and public health awareness campaigns should be made culturally relevant.
Clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging findings in childhood brachial plexus injury
Authors: Portwood Katherin E. , Albayram Mehmet S. , Stone Sarah , Zingariello Carla D. , Sladky John T. , Chim Harvey , Kang Peter B.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To assess the prognostic capabilities of various diagnostic modalities for childhood brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) and brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) and postneonatal BPI.

Method

In this single‐center retrospective cross‐sectional study, we examined children with BPIs diagnosed or confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies between 2013 and 2020, and compared the prognostic value of various components of the electrophysiologic findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and the Active Movement Scale (AMS). We developed scoring systems for electrodiagnostic studies and MRI findings, including various components of nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) for electrodiagnostic studies.

Results

We identified 21 children (10 females and 11 males) aged 8 days to 21 years (mean 8y 6.95mo) who had a total of 30 electrodiagnostic studies, 14 brachial plexus MRI studies, and 10 surgical procedures. Among the diagnostic modalities assessed, brachial plexus MRI scores, EMG denervation scores, and mean total EMG scores were the most valuable in predicting surgical versus non‐surgical outcomes. Correspondingly, a combined MRI/mean total EMG score provided prognostic value.

Interpretation

Brachial plexus MRI scores and specific electrodiagnostic scores provide the most accurate prognostic information for children with BPI. Our grading scales can assist a multidisciplinary team in quantifying results of these studies and determining prognosis in this setting.

What this paper adds

A new scoring system to quantify results of electrodiagnostic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies is presented.

Severity of denervation has good prognostic value for childhood brachial plexus injuries (BPIs).

Composite electromyography scores have good prognostic value for childhood BPIs.

Brachial plexus MRI has good prognostic value for childhood BPIs.
Prognostic value of two‐dimensional strain in early ischemic heart disease: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Licordari Roberto , Casale Matteo , Correale Michele , Imbalzano Egidio , Crea Pasquale , Santo Signorelli Salvatore , Pistelli Lorenzo , Parisi Francesca , Perna Alessia , de Sarro Rosalba , de Gregorio Cesare , Dattilo Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2D‐SE) is a reliable method for measuring deformation of the left ventricle.

Aim of the study

Aim of the study was to determine changes in 2D‐SE parameters over time collected during dipyridamole stress echo‐cardiography (dipy‐stress) and prognosis of patients with non‐diagnostic dipy‐stress results.

Methods

In the first phase of the study, assessment of a prospective enrolled population with a non‐diagnostic dipy‐stress test result was conducted, checking through coronary CT angiography (CCTA) the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). In the follow‐up phase, an echocardiographic re‐evaluation and outcome analysis during a mean follow‐up of 78 months was carried out.

Results

In the first phase, Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) values were similar in the CCTA positive and CCTA negative groups at rest and after stress. For Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), there was a significant reduction (p < .0001) in the CCTA positive group compared to the CCTA negative group. After 78 ± 9 months none of the enrolled patients experimented cardiac events. Values of GCS, both at rest and after stress, did not differ statistically comparing follow‐up values with baseline ones. No statistically significant changes were seen in the same analysis for GLS rest and stress values, between baseline and follow‐up in the two groups.

Conclusions

Performing 2D‐SE during dipy‐stress can detect mild CAD that conventional stress‐tests miss. Patients with mild coronary stenosis may have a favorable mid‐term prognosis, but efforts should be made to investigate the decrease trend in GLS, at rest and after stress, reported in this patient group.
A case of early thrombosis following a percutaneous tricuspid valve in valve implantation managed by thrombolysis
Authors: Shojaeifard Maryam , Rahnamoun Zahra , Firouzi Ata , Sadeghipour Parham
Published: May 2022

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis (BPVT) is a growing recognized entity, especially with the increasing use of the valve in vale procedures and the advent of new detection technologies (e.g., 4D CT and 4D echocardiography). The incidence of BPVT is higher in transcatheter valves than surgically implanted bioprosthetic valves. However, the best thromboprophylaxis regimen and optimal management strategy in the acute context remain unknown. This paper presents a case of early thrombosis following the percutaneous tricuspid valve in vale procedure that was successfully managed with thrombolysis.
Corruption and privatization: Evidence from a natural experiment in China
Authors: Zhu Ling , Kong Dongmin
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates how government corruption shapes state‐owned enterprises' (SOEs) privatization. To establish causality, we exploit a natural experiment (i.e., the investigations of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection) to document that SOEs significantly deepen privatization after the crackdown on corruption. Further evidence demonstrates two plausible mechanisms driving our findings. Specifically, anti‐corruption campaign: 1) accelerates privatization process by curbing the underpricing transfers to state entities and encouraging the normal transfers to private entities or individuals; and 2) by reducing managers' incentives to maintain the dominance of state ownership for expropriation through the discretion of perk consumption. Moreover, our findings are particularly pronounced for SOEs located in areas with high levels of social trust, government intervention, and less information asymmetry.
Concordance of cerebrospinal fluid real‐time quaking‐induced conversion across the European Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Surveillance Network
Authors: McKenzie Neil , Piconi Gabriele , Culeux Audrey , Hammarin Anna‐Lena , Stergiou Christos , Tzartos Socrates , Versleijen Alexandra A. M. , van de Geer Jacqueline , Cras Patrick , Cardone Franco , Ladogana Anna , Mannana Angela , Rossi Marcello , Bongianni Matilde , Perra Daniela , Regelsberger Guenther , Klotz Sigrid , Hornemann Simone , Aguzzi Adriano , Schmitz Matthias , Andrews Mary , Burns Kimberley , Haïk Stéphane , Ruiz‐García Raquel , Verner‐Carlsson Jenny , Tzartos John , Verbeek Marcel M. , De Vil Bart , Poleggi Anna , Parchi Piero , Zanusso Gianluigi , Gelpi Ellen , Frontzek Karl , Reimann Regina , Hermann Peter , Zerr Inga , Pal Suvankar , Green Alison
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC) has a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) and this has led to its being included in revised European CJD Surveillance Network diagnostic criteria for sCJD. As CSF RT‐QuIC becomes more widely established, it is crucial that the analytical performance of individual laboratories is consistent. The aim of this ring‐trial was to ascertain the degree of concordance between European countries undertaking CSF RT‐QuIC.

Methods

Ten identical CSF samples, seven from probable or neuropathologically confirmed sCJD and three from non‐CJD cases, were sent to 13 laboratories from 11 countries for RT‐QuIC analysis. A range of instrumentation and different recombinant prion protein substrates were used. Each laboratory analysed the CSF samples blinded to the diagnosis and reported the results as positive or negative.

Results

All 13 laboratories correctly identified five of the seven sCJD cases and the remaining two sCJD cases were identified by 92% of laboratories. Of the two sCJD cases that were not identified by all laboratories, one had a disease duration >26 months with a negative 14‐3‐3, whilst the remaining case had a 4‐month disease duration and a positive 14‐3‐3. A single false positive CSF RT‐QuIC result was observed in this study.

Conclusions

This study shows that CSF RT‐QuIC demonstrates an excellent concordance between centres, even when using a variety of instrumentation, recombinant prion protein substrates and CSF volumes. The adoption of CSF RT‐QuIC by all CJD surveillance centres is recommended.
Social cognition deficits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A pilot cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Palumbo Francesca , Iazzolino Barbara , Peotta Laura , Canosa Antonio , Manera Umberto , Grassano Maurizio , Casale Federico , Pellegrino Giorgio , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Vasta Rosario , Moglia Cristina , Chiò Adriano , Calvo Andrea
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Social cognition (SC) deficits are included in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)–frontotemporal spectrum disorder revised diagnostic criteria. However, SC performance among ALS patients is heterogeneous due to the phenotypic variability of the disease and the wide range of neuropsychological tools employed. The aim of the present study was to assess facial emotion recognition and theory of mind in ALS patients compared to controls and to evaluate correlations with the other cognitive domains and degree of motor impairment.

Methods

Eighty‐three patients and 42 controls underwent a cognitive evaluation and SC assessment through the Ekman 60 Faces Test (EK‐60F), the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test–36 Faces (RMET‐36), and the Story‐Based Empathy Task (SET).

Results

ALS patients showed significantly worse performance compared to controls in EK‐60F global score (p < 0.001), recognition of disgust (p = 0.032), anger (p = 0.038), fear (p < 0.001), and sadness (p < 0.001); RMET‐36 (p < 0.001), and SET global score (p < 0.001). Also, cognitively normal patients (ALS‐CN) showed significantly worse performance compared to controls in EK‐60F global score (p < 0.001), recognition of fear (p = 0.002), sadness (p < 0.001), and SET (p < 0.001). RMET‐36 showed a significant correlation with the Category Fluency Test (p = 0.041). SC tests showed no correlation with motor impairment expressed by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised.

Conclusions

ALS patients, also when categorized as ALS‐CN, may show impairment in SC performance. The frequent identification of early SC impairment in ALS patients supports the need to routinely assess SC for its impact on end‐of‐life decisions and its potential influence on patients' quality of life.
Clarifications regarding bumetanide for neonatal seizures
Authors: Staley Kevin J.
Published: May 2022

A recent Phase II randomized, controlled trial of bumetanide as an adjunctive treatment for neonatal seizures showed a robust efficacy signal and no evidence of toxicity. Concerns regarding bumetanide as an adjunctive anticonvulsant are addressed here. An adequately powered multi‐institutional trial is needed to accurately determine efficacy.
Museum as geopolitical entity: Toward soft combat
Authors: Miller Jacob C. , Wilson Sharon
Published: May 2022

Many scholars have examined the museum as a site of politics. This paper reviews recent research on museums and puts forward “soft combat” as a device for understanding how museums operate as geopolitical entities today. Soft combat includes (a) enrolling the visitor in affective atmospheres, (b) engaging with violence and trauma, and (c) embodied persuasion. We examine a military museum in the U.S.A to substantiate soft combat as a kind of biopolitics.
Incorporating Snowmelt into Daily Estimates of Recharge Using a State‐Space Model of Infiltration
Authors: Shapiro Allen M. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Kappel William M. , Williams John H.
Published: May 2022

A state‐space model (SSM) of infiltration estimates daily groundwater recharge using time‐series of groundwater‐level altitude and meteorological inputs (liquid precipitation, snowmelt, and evapotranspiration). The model includes diffuse and preferential flow through the unsaturated zone, where preferential flow is a function of liquid precipitation and snowmelt rates and a threshold rate, above which there is direct recharge to the water table. Model parameters are estimated over seasonal periods and the SSM is coupled with the Kalman Filter (KF) to assimilate recent observations (hydraulic head) and meteorological inputs into recharge estimates. The approach can take advantage of real‐time hydrologic and meteorological data to deliver real‐time recharge estimates. The model is demonstrated on daily observations from two bedrock wells in carbonate aquifers of northwestern New York (USA) between 2013 and 2018. Meteorological inputs for liquid precipitation and snowmelt are compiled from SNODAS (2021). Results for recharge during winter and spring seasons show preferential flow events to the water table from liquid precipitation, snowmelt, or a combination of the two. Recharge estimates summed annually are consistent with previous estimates of recharge reported from groundwater flow and surface‐process models. Results from the SSM and KF point to errors in meteorological inputs, such as the snowmelt rate, that are not compatible with hydraulic head observations. Whereas liquid and solid precipitation are measured at discrete stations and extrapolated to 1‐km2 grid cells, snowmelt is a meteorological modeled outcome that may not represent conditions in the vicinity of monitoring well locations.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and risk of migraine: A nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Hsu Tien‐Wei , Chen Mu‐Hong , Chu Che‐Sheng , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Bai Ya‐Mei , Su Tung‐Ping , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Liang Chih‐Sung
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study explored the risk of migraine in children, adolescents, and young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its association with ADHD medications.

Background

The prevalence of migraine peaks between the ages of 35 and 39 years. Recent studies have reported a positive association between ADHD and migraine.

Methods

This longitudinal case‐cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Between 2001 and 2009, we enrolled 81,441 participants with ADHD and a 1:1‐matched control cohort for age, sex, and physical and psychiatric comorbidities. All participants had no diagnosis of migraine before enrollment and were followed up to the end of 2011. We examined the risk of newly diagnosed migraine among patients with ADHD and matched controls after adjusting for demographics and physical/psychiatric comorbidities.

Results

Patients with ADHD had a higher incidence of migraine than those in the control group (462/81441 [0.6%] vs. 212/81441 [0.3%] patients, p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.92 (95% CI, 1.64–2.34) for migraine in patients with ADHD versus controls. The subgroup analyses stratified by age showed the HRs were 2.01 (95% CI, 1.63–2.49), 1.94 (95% CI, 1.35–2.79), and 1.31 (95% CI, 0.58–2.98) for children (<12 years old), adolescents (12–17), and young adults (18–29), respectively, versus controls. When stratified by sex, the HR was 1.97 (95% CI, 1.58–2.46) for men and 1.94 (95% CI, 1.44–2.62) for women versus controls. The cumulative daily dose of ADHD medications was not associated with the risk of migraine.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with ADHD were associated with an increased risk of migraine compared with matched controls. The increased risk was not observed in young adults with ADHD. Further studies are required to examine the mechanisms between migraine and ADHD.
Beyond pain control: Outcome and treatment preferences in pediatric migraine
Authors: Khayata Matthew J. , Farley Samantha , Davis J. Kelly , Hornik Christoph P. , Reeve Bryce B. , Rikhi Aruna , Gelfand Amy A. , Szperka Christina L. , Kessel Shirley , Pezzuto Tara , Hammett Alex , Lemmon Monica E.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe treatment preferences and perceived quality of existing outcome measures among children and adolescents with migraine and their caregivers.

Background

Across disciplines, there is increasing recognition of the value of direct input from stakeholders. Little empirical work has been done to determine what outcomes matter most to pediatric patients with migraine and their caregivers.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we recruited participants from the multicenter, prospective Pediatric Migraine Registry. We used stratified purposive sampling to recruit children and adolescents of varied ages and headache frequency. Patients with migraine and their caregivers completed semistructured interviews targeting treatment preferences and perceived quality of existing outcome measures. Emergent themes and subthemes were identified using conventional content analysis.

Results

Thirty dyads of children/adolescents and their caregivers were enrolled and completed 59 interviews (n = 29 children/adolescent interviews and n = 30 caregiver interviews). Three themes emerged. (1) Symptom relief: Looking beyond headache resolution: Participants described the value of outcomes in addition to pain relief, including a reduction in migraine intensity and improvement in non‐pain symptoms. (2) Trade‐offs between side effects and relief: Participants described cost‐benefit analyses that can occur with headache treatment and acknowledged the impact of drug side effects on daily life and medication adherence. (3) Child‐centered treatment: Participants described medication attributes salient to the pediatric context, including age‐appropriate routes of administration and adequate safety data.

Conclusions

Children, adolescents, and caregivers impacted by migraine value outcomes in addition to traditionally studied migraine endpoints. Participants valued decreased pain severity, even in the absence of pain resolution. Participants also prioritized the absence of side effects and key medication attributes, including fast onset and age‐appropriate routes of administration. These results highlight an opportunity to design patient‐centered clinical trials, develop drugs, and support product labeling that align with the outcomes valued most by children and adolescents with migraine and their caregivers.
REOPENING THE FUTURE: EMERGING WORLDS AND NOVEL HISTORICAL FUTURES*
Authors: BASCHET JÉRÔME
Published: May 2022

Unlike those studies that conclude with a future collapsing under presentism, this article takes a fresh look at the issue of futures. To that end, the first part of the article offers a review of presentism, which amounts not to the erasure of any given future but to the proliferation of possible futures in the age of the Anthropocene. The second part sets out to identify novel futures that, while they may differ from those of presentism, do not seek to revive the future proposed by the defunct modern regime of historicity. By tracking the experience of “real utopias” bent on birthing other worlds, we can begin to map their preconditions. At the intersection of several extant regimes of historicity, the autonomous Zapatista zone that has, since 1994, arisen in southern Mexico has proven uniquely inventive; it may serve as a remarkable observatory for the appearance of unprecedented futures.
Gender, family status and health characteristics: Understanding retirement inequalities in the Chilean pension model
Authors: PARADA‐CONTZEN Marcela
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to measure the impact of life‐cycle events on accumulated retirement savings within the context of a retirement system with mandatory individual savings accounts. Taking into account the impact of lifetime events through multiple channels, the author presents a set of correlated equations that capture labour market behaviour, portfolio and savings decisions, risk preferences, and family and health characteristics, using data from an iconic Chilean experiment. The findings indicate that a woman located in the middle of the wealth distribution who is married with two children, and who suffers a health shock in the last ten years of her working life cycle, accumulates less wealth than her counterpart.
Travail des détenus, systèmes de préférences douanières et travail décent: analyse critique et perspectives
Authors: SITZIA Andrea , LOPEZ Benoît
Published: May 2022

Dans les systèmes de préférences douanières, le travail pénitentiaire est d'abord perçu comme une pratique de concurrence déloyale, à rejeter a priori. Cette modalité d'emploi peut pourtant être appréhendée autrement. On peut se demander, notamment, à quelles conditions il s'agit d'un travail décent, et l'envisager comme un outil de réinsertion. Au terme d'une analyse juridique approfondie, dans laquelle ils mettent en regard les normes pertinentes de l'OIT et la réglementation douanière de l'UE et de l'OMC, tout en convoquant la théorie des capabilités, les auteurs appellent au développement d'un ensemble de règles mobilisant plusieurs branches du droit pour ce qui touche au travail des détenus.
Sex‐ and caste‐specific transcriptomes of larval honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) gonads: DMRT A2 and Hsp83 are differentially expressed and regulated by juvenile hormone
Authors: Lago Denyse Cavalcante , Hasselmann Martin , Hartfelder Klaus
Published: May 2022

The gonads of honey bee, Apis mellifera, queens and drones are each composed of hundreds of serial units, the ovarioles and testioles, while the ovaries of the adult subfertile workers consist of only few ovarioles. We performed a comparative RNA‐seq analysis on early fifth‐instar (L5F1) larval gonads, which is a critical stage in gonad development of honey bee larvae. A total of 1834 genes were identified as differentially expressed (Padj < 0.01) among the three sex and caste phenotypes. The Gene Ontology analysis showed significant enrichment for metabolism, protein or ion binding, and oxidoreductase activity, and a KEGG analysis revealed metabolic pathways as enriched. In a principal component analysis for the total transcriptomes and hierarchical clustering of the DEGs, we found higher similarity between the queen and worker ovary transcriptomes compared to the drone testis, despite the onset of programmed cell death in the worker ovaries. Four DEGs were selected for RT‐qPCR analyses, including their response to juvenile hormone (JH), which is a critical factor in the caste‐specific development of the ovaries. Among these, DMRT A2 and Hsp83 were found upregulated by JH and, thus, emerged as potential molecular markers for sex‐ and caste‐specific gonad development in honey bees.
Maternal anxiety symptoms associated with increased behavioral synchrony in the early postnatal period
Authors: Lemus Alejandra , Vogel Sarah C. , Greaves Ashley N. , Brito Natalie H.
Published: May 2022

The presence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders has typically been associated with decreases in the quality of mother–infant interactions. However, maternal anxiety symptoms during the postpartum period have been less studied than other mental health disorders like depression. In the current study, we examined associations among symptoms of maternal anxiety, maternal perceived stress, and mother–infant behavioral synchrony in the early postnatal period. Eighty‐one mother–infant dyads participated in this study when the infants were 3 months old. Surveys were given to obtain demographic information and current maternal mental health symptoms, and dyads completed a 5‐min free‐play task to measure behavioral synchrony. Results indicated that maternal anxiety symptoms were positively associated with behavioral synchrony, but only for mothers reporting moderate levels of perceived stress. These findings highlight the differential impact of maternal postpartum mental health on behavioral synchrony and suggest that higher maternal anxiety symptoms during the postnatal period may play an adaptive role in fostering more dynamic mother–infant interactions.
Clinical efficacy of chitosan‐based hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds
Authors: Liu Jing , Shen Hong
Published: May 2022

This retrospective study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of chitosan‐based hydrocolloid dressing in treating chronic refractory wounds. A total of 80 patients with chronic refractory wounds were randomly divided into the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). The control group was given inert saline gauze, while the study group was given chitosan‐based hydrocolloid dressing. After 3 weeks of treatment, the wound healing efficiency, itching pain score, changes in the wound area, dressing change frequency, and cost were measured. There was a significant difference in the wound healing effect (t = 2.738), and degree of pain (t = 4.76) between the study and control groups, after 3 weeks of treatment. Similarly, a prominent reduction in the itching frequency (t = 8.62), and wound area (t = 6.379) was observed in the study group compared to the control group (P < .05). Moreover, the frequency and total cost of dressing change in the study group were also lower than the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). To summarise, the application of chitosan‐based hydrocolloid dressing in treating chronic refractory can effectively alleviate pain, accelerate wound healing, relieve itching pain, and reduce the overall cost and frequency of dressing change.
Effect of chitosan‐based gel dressing on wound infection, synechia, and granulations after endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Ruyang , Gong Zheng
Published: May 2022

A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of chitosan‐based gel dressing on wound infection, synechia, and granulations after endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps. A systematic literature search until March 2022 incorporated 386 subjects after endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps at the beginning of the study; 187 were using chitosan‐based gel dressing, and 199 were control. Statistical tools like the dichotomous method were used within a random or fixed‐influence model to establish the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the influence of chitosan‐based gel dressing on wound infection, synechia, and granulations after endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps. Chitosan‐based gel dressing had significantly lower wound infection (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25–0.92, P = 0.03), and synechia (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.13–0.50, P < 0.001) compared with control in subjects with endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps. However, no significant difference was found in granulations between chitosan‐based gel dressing and control in subjects with endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps. Chitosan‐based gel dressing had significantly lower wound infection, synechia compared with control in subjects with endoscopic sinus surgery of nasal polyps, and no significant difference in granulations. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Portfolio Literacy and the Transition to Work for Graphic Design Graduates
Authors: Barnes Carolyn , Wragg Nicole , Fisher Emma , Tyagi Shivani , de Kruiff Alison
Published: May 2022

The graphic design industry has moved beyond its traditional focus on printed matter to deliver multidimensional communication projects involving diverse audiences and media channels. No longer a skills and service industry, graphic design increasingly informs business strategy and innovation processes, requiring heterogeneous expertise, a rigorous design process and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. This shift raises the question of the relevance of a traditional design portfolio in demonstrating employability, especially when employers prioritise generic over disciplinary and technical skills. Our article reports the results of a survey of 53 Australian employers of graphic design graduates on the role of the portfolio in evidencing design‐specific and more general employability skills, capacities and attributes. The article provides a deeper understanding of the role of a portfolio in the transition to work. We argue that graphic design graduates need ‘portfolio literacy’—which combines insight in the curation of the portfolio and its use in interview performance—to demonstrate both core graphic design and creative skills and capacities in communication, collaboration and problem‐solving. This significant know‐how is best developed during graduates’ tertiary studies.