bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P.131 Outcome prediction in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing microsurgical aneurysm repair: analysis of a South Australian Cerebrovascular Registry
Authors: O’Donohoe TJ , Ovenden C , Bouras G , Chidambaram S , Davidson AS , Kleinig T , Abou-Hamden A
Published: June 2023

Background: Accurate outcome prediction among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) has remained elusive. We aimed to identify outcome predictors and develop a model to guide clinicians and the families of patients who are being considered for microsurgical repair of a ruptured aneurysm. Methods: We identified 246 consecutive patients with aSAH who underwent microsurgical clipping of the culprit aneurysm between 01/09/2011 and 20/07/2020. Independent predictors of outcome were identified using logistic regression and an outcome prediction model was developed. Results: Age>55 (OR3.35, 95%CI 1.06–10.56, p=0.04), high-grade aSAH (WFNS≥4) (OR7.82, 95%CI 2.66–22.98, p<0.001) and midline shift of ≥5mm (OR10.35, 95%CI 3.22–22.23, p<0.001) were all associated with unfavourable outcome (mRS≥4) at a mean of 87.27 (±53.40) days after ictus. Age>55 was also associated with inpatient mortality (OR4.98, 95%CI 1.83–13.54, p=0.002) and unfavourable outcome at final follow-up (OR3.76, 95%CI 1.26–11.20, p=0.002). Furthermore, midline shift of >5mm was significantly associated with inpatient mortality (OR5.55, 95%CI 1.74–17.64, p=0.004) and unfavourable outcome at final follow-up (OR9.71, 95%CI 3.25–29.04, p<0.001). Conclusions: Older age, poorer presenting WFNS grade and increased mass effect are all associated with poorer outcome among patients undergoing microsurgical clipping of a ruptured aneurysm. These data have been used to construct an outcome prediction model for these patients.
P.138 Sphenoidal Sinus aspergillus infection presenting with right-sided painful ophthalmoplegia and cavernous sinus-orbital apex lesion: a case report.
Authors: Elashaal AA , Elashaal Y
Published: June 2023

Background: Cavernous sinus-orbital apex aspergillosis is a rare but serious complication and difficult to diagnose based on clinical and radiological results. This condition is frequently diagnosed at a late stage because of its nonspecific and varying symptomatology, specifically in immuno-supressive patients. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to prevent more serious central nerves system complications. Methods: We report the case of a 80-year-old man with a 2 month history of retroorbital pain before he developed a subacute cavernous sinus syndrome, with 3th cranial nerve palsy and right-sided painful ophthalmoplegia. Patient was on immune suppression therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Neuroimaging including CT scan and MRI suggested a malignant tumor involving the sphenoid sinus with extention to cavernous sinus-orbital ape. Results: The diagnosis of aspergillosis was made trans-sphenoidal approach and by histopathological examination. Soon after surgical drainage of the sphenoid sinus and systemic anti-fungal drug therapy, Both retroorbital pain resolved and cavernous sinus syndrome slowly start to recover. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the fact that invasive isolated sphenoid sinus aspergillosis must be considered in the list of lesions causing sinus cavernous syndrome and particularly in immune suppressed patients. Early diagnosis is the key to prevent more serious central nerves system complications.
P.145 Uncovering differences in oligodendrogenesis between human and rodent spinal cord stem cells
Authors: Sandarage RV , Galuta A , Tsai EC
Published: June 2023

Background: Spinal cord regeneration in pre-clinical rodent studies is feasible by promoting oligodendrocyte regrowth, which is necessary for axon myelination. It is uncertain whether human neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are capable of differentiation into oligodendrocytes, similar to rat. In this study, we compare the functional and transcriptional features of primary spinal cord NSPCs from adult humans and rats. Methods: Oligodendrogenesis between human & rat NSPCs from adult donors and rats was cultured using the Neurosphere assay. NSPCs were exposed to 1% FBS to trigger differentiation & PDGF-AA to promote oligodendrocyte formation. Immunocytochemistry & RNA sequencing compared transcriptomes and analyzing differentially expressed genes. Results: Human NSPCs showed a reduced potential for oligodendrocyte generation compared to rat NSPCs (0.013±0.01% and 0.029±0.01% O4+ after one and two weeks in humans; 4.9±0.4% and 6.3±0.6% O4+ after one and two weeks in rats). PDGF-AA treatment at 40 ng/µL for one week was able to effectively promote oligodendrocyte differentiation in rat NSPCs, but had a minimal effect on human NSPCs (8.5±1.4 fold increase in O4+). OLIG1/2, SOX10, and CNP were enriched in rat NSPCs. Conclusions: We compared oligodendrogenesis potential between human and rat NSPCs and found significantly lower capacity in human NSPCs, possibly hindering successful myelinating techniques.
GR.2 A deep intronic FGF14 GAA repeat expansion causes late-onset cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Pellerin D , Danzi MC , Wilke C , Renaud M , Fazal S , Dicaire M , Scriba CK , Ashton C , Yanick C , Beijer D , Rebelo A , Rocca C , Jaunmuktane Z , Sonnen JA , Larivière R , Genis D , Porcel L , Choquet K , Sakalla R , Provost S , Tétreault M , Reiling SJ , Nagy S , Nishadham V , Purushottam M , Vengalil S , Bardhan M , Nalini A , Chen Z , Mathieu J , Massie R , Chalk CH , Lafontaine A , Evoy F , Rioux M , Ragoussis J , Boycott KM , Dubé M , Duquette A , Houlden H , Ravenscroft G , Laing NG , Lamont P , Saporta MA , Schüle R , Schöls L , La Piana R , Synofzik M , Zuchner S , Brais B
Published: June 2023

Background: The late-onset cerebellar ataxias (LOCAs) have until recently resisted molecular diagnosis. Contributing to this diagnostic gap is that non-coding structural variations, such as repeat expansions, are not fully accessible to standard short-read sequencing analysis. Methods: We combined bioinformatics analysis of whole-genome sequencing and long-read sequencing to search for repeat expansions in patients with LOCA. We enrolled 66 French-Canadian, 228 German, 20 Australian and 31 Indian patients. Pathogenic mechanisms were studied in post-mortem cerebellum and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons from 2 patients. Results: We identified 128 patients who carried an autosomal dominant GAA repeat expansion in the first intron of the FGF14 gene. The expansion was present in 61%, 18%, 15% and 10% of patients in the French-Canadian, German, Australian and Indian cohorts, respectively. The pathogenic threshold was determined to be (GAA)≥250, although incomplete penetrance was observed in the (GAA)250-300 range. Patients developed a slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome at an average age of 59 years. Patient-derived post-mortem cerebellum and induced motor neurons both showed reduction in FGF14 RNA and protein expression compared to controls. Conclusions: This intronic, dominantly inherited GAA repeat expansion in FGF14 represents one of the most common genetic causes of LOCA uncovered to date.
GR.6 Harnessing the endogenous regenerative potential of the injured spinal cord
Authors: Hachem LD , Hong J , Velumian A , Mothe AJ , Tator CH , Fehlings MG
Published: June 2023

Background: The adult spinal cord contains a population of ependymal-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (epNSPCs) with the potential to enhance endogenous regeneration. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the activation of these cells after injury. Recently, we discovered that glutamate excitotoxicity, a hallmark in the pathophysiology of acute SCI, promotes epNSPC proliferation/survival. Here, we characterize the downstream signaling pathways involved in this response and target this mechanism in vivo to enhance the endogenous regenerative capacity of these cells. Methods: epNSPCs were isolated from the central canal region of the adult spinal cord. In vitro pathway analysis was conducted using immunohistochemistry, RNAseq and Western Blot. In vivo, rats underwent SCI and at 1-week post-injury were randomized to receive CX546 (positive AMPAR modulator), or vehicle-control. Animals underwent behavioural testing and spinal cords were extracted for analysis. Results: Glutamate excitotoxicity leads to calcium influx in epNSPCs via AMPARs and together with Notch signaling drives proliferation and astrocytic differentiation. Positive modulation of AMPARs subacutely after SCI enhances epNSPC proliferation, astrogliogenesis, neurotrophin production, neuronal survival and functional recovery. Conclusions: We uncover an important mechanism by which AMPARs regulate the growth/phenotype of epNSPCs which can be targeted therapeutically to harness the regenerative potential of the injured spinal cord.
A.1 A national eDelphi process to establish Canadian quality indicators for the care of adults hospitalized for neurological problems
Authors: Foster CD , Yaraskavitch M , Barrett E , Peters S , Bencsik C , Burton J , Chapman KM , Gilmour GS , Martino D , Mitchell SB , Kassardjian C , Khosravani H , Sauro K , Tang-Wai DF , Wiebe S , Cooke LJ
Published: June 2023

Background: Our aim was to develop a National Quality Indicators Set for the Care of Adults Hospitalized for Neurological Problems, to serve as a foundation to build regional or national quality initiatives in Canadian neurology centres. Methods: We used a national eDelphi process to develop a suite of quality indicators and a parallel process of surveys and patient focus groups to identify patient priorities. Canadian content and methodology experts were invited to participate. To be included, >70% of participants had to rate items as critical and <15% had to rate it as not important. Two rounds of surveys and consensus meetings were used identify and rank indicators, followed by national consultation with members of the Canadian Neurological Society. Results: 38 neurologists and methodologists and 56 patients/caregivers participated in this project. An initial list of 91 possible quality indicators was narrowed to 40 indicators across multiple categories of neurological conditions. 21 patient priorities were identified. Conclusions: This quality indicators suite can be used regionally or nationally to drive improvement initiatives for inpatient neurology care. In addition, we identified multiple opportunities for further research where evidence was lacking or patient and provider priorities did not align.
A.3 The Canadian registry for amyloidosis research: a national multi-disciplinary registry for real-world evidence
Authors: Fine N , Hodgkinson V , Reece D , Delgato D , Venner C , Baker S , Massie R , Boyartchuk K , Jewett G , Mezei M , Hahn C , Dares K , Davis M
Published: June 2023

Background: The Canadian Registry for Amyloidosis Research (CRAR) is a nationwide disease registry of transthyretin (ATTR) and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Recent advances in disease-modifying therapy have improved prognosis, however there is a critical need for real-world evidence to address knowledge gaps, particularly longer-term therapeutic outcomes and surveillance strategies. Methods: A multi-stakeholder process was undertaken to develop a consensus dataset for ATTR- and AL-amyloidosis. This process included surveys to rank the importance of potential data items, and a consensus meeting of the CRAR steering committee, (comprised of multidisciplinary clinical experts, and patient organization representatives). Patients and patient organizations supported the development and implementation of a patient-reported dataset. Results: Consensus data items include disease onset, progression, severity, treatments, and outcomes, as well as patient-reported outcomes. Both prospective and retrospective (including deceased) patient cohorts are included. Further baseline data will be presented on an initial cohort of patients. Conclusions: CRAR has been established to collect a longitudinal, multidisciplinary dataset that will evaluate amyloidosis care and outcomes. CRAR has launched at multiple specialty amyloidosis centers nationally and is continually expanding. The growth of this program will promote opportunities to assess real-world safety and efficacy and inform the cost-effectiveness of therapies while supporting patient recruitment for research.
C.3 Development and validation of a prediction model for perinatal arterial ischemic stroke in term neonates
Authors: Srivastava R , Dunbar M , Shevell M , Oskoui M , Basu A , Rivkin M , Shany E , de Vries L , Dewey D , Letourneau N , Hill MD , Kirton A
Published: June 2023

Background: Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) is a focal brain injury in term neonates, identified postnatally but presumed to occur around birth. Early risk detection and targeted treatments are limited. We developed and validated a diagnostic risk prediction model from common clinical factors to predict a term neonate’s probability of PAIS. Methods: A diagnostic prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression. Common pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal clinical factors were collected across four registries. Variable selection was based on peer-reviewed literature. Participant inclusion criteria were term birth and no underlying predisposition to stroke. The primary outcome was discriminative accuracy of the model predicting PAIS, measured by the concordance (C-) statistic. Results: 2571 participants (527 cases, 2044 controls) were eligible for analysis. Nine variables were included in the model – maternal age, tobacco exposure, recreational drug exposure, pre-eclampsia, chorioamnionitis, maternal fever, emergency c-section, low 5-minute Apgar score, and sex – to predict the risk of PAIS in a term neonate. This model demonstrated good discrimination between cases and controls (C-statistic 0.73) and model fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.20). Conclusions: Clinical variables can be used to develop and internally validate a model of PAIS risk prediction. Identifying high-risk neonates for early screening and treatment could reduce lifelong morbidity.
C.5 Highlighting a novel, stepwise pathway for the in-hospital management of children with acutely worsening dystonia
Authors: Vogt LM , Yang K , Tse G , Gorodetsky C
Published: June 2023

Background: Dystonia is common in children with acquired and inherited neurological disorders. Status dystonicus (SD) is the most severe form of dystonia that can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. We identified a local provider knowledge gap in the acute management of dystonia, leading to uncertainty and delays in care. To our knowledge, no in-hospital clinical pathway exists for the ward-based management of acute dystonia. We hypothesized that a stepwise clinical pathway would standardize and improve comfort in managing hyperacute dystonia. Methods: We formed a multidisciplinary working group and developed a pathway based on literature review and expert consensus. Aims of the pathway included: reducing delays in recognition and treatment of acute dystonia, limiting variation in management, and decreasing progression to SD. A survey was administered to providers assessing knowledge and comfort post-implementation. Results: There has been high usability with 58% (18/31) of providers surveyed having used the pathway at least once. Provider comfort has improved, with 89% (25/28) of respondents reporting increased comfort managing SD due to the clarity of the pathway and stepwise directions. Conclusions: The pathway fills a gap in the in-hospital management of dystonia and has led to increased provider comfort.
D.2 Cross-sectional axonal excitability and motor unit number index profile in early stages of weakness in ALS
Authors: Phung L , Santos-Neto D , Castro P , Parks A , Escorcio-Bezerra M , Jones K , Zinman L , Abrahao A
Published: June 2023

Background: What is the number and size of motor units, and axonal excitability profile in the early stages of muscle weakness in ALS compared to controls? Methods: We enrolled ALS patients with APB manual strength testing rated four or four-minus (ALS:4-arm) and four-plus (ALS:4+ arm) and control participants >35 years-old from the University of Toronto, University of Alberta and Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo. Mean±SD, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA of ALSFRS-R, PUMN Score, MUNIX, MUSIX, and nerve-excitability testing using QTRAC TROND protocol were reported. Results: Twenty-five ALS patients and 63 controls were included. Mean MUNIX was significantly lower (p<0.0001) and MUSIX was significantly higher (p<0.001) in both ALS groups compared to controls. Mean strength-duration time constant in the ALS:4- arm (0.50ms±0.11; p<0.05) and superexcitability in both ALS groups (ALS:4- -29.05%±9.24, ALS:4+ -27.67%±8.03; p<0.05) were relatively increased, supporting axonal hyperexcitability. Conclusions: Significant motor unit loss measured by MUNIX is already present at the earliest detection of muscle weakness in ALS. Increased MUSIX and altered axonal physiology are associated with axonal sprouting and geometry change(1), along with ion channel dysfunction(2). Future trials targeting muscle weakness in ALS should consider the altered neuronal physiology during early disease stages and utilize neurophysiological biomarkers only in normal-to-mildly weak muscles.
E.1 Clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke in indigenous populations – a systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Trivedi R , Dian J , Linton J , Shankar J
Published: June 2023

Background: The burden and outcome of stroke in indigenous populations is less well understood. This review evaluates ischemic stroke outcomes in indigenous populations as compared to the general population in the context of recent advances in ischemic stroke therapy. Methods: The OVID Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for this review. Clinical outcome was measured using standardized outcome scale (eg. mRS) at 90 days following stroke intervention in indigenous as compared to non-indigenous adult populations. Results: 897 studies were identified, with 4 studies included in the final analysis. A total of (n=68895) patients were included who underwent thrombolysis. Study populations from Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada comprised of (n=2012) indigenous patients. Mortality was significantly higher in indigenous populations as compared to non-indigenous (Odds Ratio-1.28, 95% CI-1.12; 1.46). The odds ratios of atrial fibrillation (1.26, 95% CI-1.12;– 1.41), diabetes (1.43, 95% CI- 1.27; 1.62), hypertension (1.33, 95% CI- 1.17; 1.51) and IHD (0.71, 95% CI- 0.62; 0.81) in indigenous patients was significantly higher than in non-indigenous patients. Conclusions: Indigenous populations undergoing stroke therapy are at a significantly increased risk of mortality as compared to non-indigenous populations. Comorbidities including diabetes, atrial fibrillation and hypertension are more prevalent in indigenous populations.
E.2 Predictors of successful endovascular thrombectomy for M2 occlusion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Rizwan A , Tampieri D
Published: June 2023

Background: There remains lack of data in regards to factors influencing successful endovascular reperfusion of isolated occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In this study, we set out to investigate the variables that affect the successful endovascular reperfusion of isolated M2 segment occlusion. Methods: M2 segment occlusion was defined as isolated clot anywhere within the M2 segment of the MCA. A prediction model of successful endovascular reperfusion defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score of 2b, 2c and 3 and unsuccessful endovascular reperfusion defined as mTICI score of 0, 1 and 2a was developed from demographics (age, sex) , clinical factors (NIHSS at the time of presentation to hospital), imaging characteristics (ASPECTS, ICA occlusion, presence of Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD), computed tomography perfusion (CTP)-based ischemic core and mismatch volume estimation), and treatment (alteplase/tenecteplase use and periprocedural complications) variables from 64 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) at Kingston Health Science Centre between December 24, 2018 and October 18, 2022. Results: The only statistical significant predictor of successful endovascular reperfusion was CTP-based ischemic core volume (smaller core volume) (p<0.05). Conclusions: The CTP-based ischemic core volume is the most important predictor of successful endovascular reperfusion for M2 occlusion.
Application of team science best practices to the project management of a large, multi-site lung cancer screening research consortium
Authors: Steiner Julie S. , Blum-Barnett Erica , Rolland Betsy , Kraus Courtney R. , Wainwright Jocelyn V. , Bedoy Ruth , Martinez Yannica Theda , Alleman Elizabeth R. , Eibergen Roxy , Pieper Lisa E. , Carroll Nikki M. , Hixon Brian , Sterrett Andrew , Rendle Katharine A. , Saia Chelsea , Vachani Anil , Ritzwoller Debra P. , Burnett-Hartman Andrea
Published: June 2023

Research is increasingly conducted through multi-institutional consortia, and best practices for establishing multi-site research collaborations must be employed to ensure efficient, effective, and productive translational research teams. In this manuscript, we describe how the Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process Lung Research Center (PROSPR-Lung) utilized evidence-based Science of Team Science (SciTS) best practices to establish the consortium’s infrastructure and processes to promote translational research in lung cancer screening. We provide specific, actionable examples of how we: (1) developed and reinforced a shared mission, vision, and goals; (2) maintained a transparent and representative leadership structure; (3) employed strong research support systems; (4) provided efficient and effective data management; (5) promoted interdisciplinary conversations; and (6) built a culture of trust. We offer guidance for managing a multi-site research center and data repository that may be applied to a variety of settings. Finally, we detail specific project management tools and processes used to drive collaboration, efficiency, and scientific productivity.
Migration governance in civil war: The case of the Kurdish conflict
Authors: Adamson Fiona B.
Published: June 2023

This article examines the management and instrumentalisation of migration and mobility as an area of contested governance in civil wars. Building on work in migration studies and rebel governance, it shows how migration and mobility regimes form part of the structure of violent armed conflicts, as both states and non-state actors seek to control processes and consequences of mobility and migration to their advantage. Governance of migration during conflict involves the strategic use of mechanisms of migration governance for the purposes of achieving conflict aims. This article develops a framework for understanding how migration governance is instrumentalised in civil war as a means of managing and controlling populations. The framework is then applied to the case of the Kurdish conflict in Turkey and beyond through an analysis of three areas of migration governance that have played significant roles in this extended regional conflict: forced migration and refugee governance; border management; and diaspora engagement. The analysis provides a challenge to dominant state-centric, securitisation and humanitarian approaches to migration and security by pointing to the political and spatial complexity of contested migration governance in situations of protracted conflict.
Sexual Refusal: The Fragility of Women's Authority
Authors: Mason Elinor
Published: June 2023

I expand on and defend a particular account of silencing that has been identified by Mary Kate McGowan. She suggests that one sort of silencing occurs when men do not think that women have the authority to refuse. I develop this proposal, arguing that it is usefully distinct from other forms of silencing, which attribute a radical misunderstanding to the perpetrator. Authority-silencing, by contrast, concedes that the perpetrator understands that the woman is trying to refuse. I examine the nature of authority and of refusal and argue that a normatively binding refusal requires authority: the normative capacity to make a determination that has a “because I said so” structure. Women's authority in this sense is fragile. Authority to refuse sexual advances can be lost through women's attire, how much they have had to drink, location, or their profession. This account makes sense of the way that perpetrators both do and do not understand sexual refusal, and explains how they are blameworthy despite their misunderstanding.
Risk factors for long coronavirus disease 2019 (long COVID) among healthcare personnel, Brazil, 2020–2022
Authors: Marra Alexandre R. , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Ozahata Mina Cintho , Lopes Rafael , Brito Anderson F. , Bragatte Marcelo , Kalil Jorge , Miraglia João Luiz , Malheiro Daniel Tavares , Guozhang Yang , Teich Vanessa Damazio , Victor Elivane da Silva , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Cypriano Adriana , Vieira Laura Wanderly , Polonio Miria , de Oliveira Solange Miranda , Ricardo Victória Catharina Volpe , Maezato Aline Miho , Callado Gustavo Yano , Schettino Guilherme de Paula Pinto , de Oliveira Ketti Gleyzer , Santana Rúbia Anita Ferraz , Malta Fernanda de Mello , Amgarten Deyvid , Boechat Ana Laura , Kobayashi Takaaki , Perencevich Eli , Edmond Michael B. , Rizzo Luiz Vicente
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To determine risk factors for the development of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare personnel (HCP).

Methods:

We conducted a case–control study among HCP who had confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 working in a Brazilian healthcare system between March 1, 2020, and July 15, 2022. Cases were defined as those having long COVID according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. Controls were defined as HCP who had documented COVID-19 but did not develop long COVID. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between exposure variables and long COVID during 180 days of follow-up.

Results:

Of 7,051 HCP diagnosed with COVID-19, 1,933 (27.4%) who developed long COVID were compared to 5,118 (72.6%) who did not. The majority of those with long COVID (51.8%) had 3 or more symptoms. Factors associated with the development of long COVID were female sex (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.39), age (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02), and 2 or more SARS-CoV-2 infections (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07–1.50). Those infected with the SARS-CoV-2 δ (delta) variant (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17–0.50) or the SARS-CoV-2 o (omicron) variant (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30–0.78), and those receiving 4 COVID-19 vaccine doses prior to infection (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01–0.19) were significantly less likely to develop long COVID.

Conclusions:

Long COVID can be prevalent among HCP. Acquiring >1 SARS-CoV-2 infection was a major risk factor for long COVID, while maintenance of immunity via vaccination was highly protective.
“Iranian Conditions: Health Problems and Medical Practices in the Words of the Staff of the Alliance Israélite Universelle, 1900–1950”
Authors: Headrick Isabelle S.
Published: June 2023

The staff of the Alliance Israélite Universelle (AIU), an international educational philanthropy, were professionally and personally buffeted by health and medical concerns. This article examines the value of their letters, arguing they serve as a deep reservoir of biased yet valuable evidence that corroborates other sources while also providing insight into the health and disease conditions of Iran's provincial cities. This article also asks why, in the early twentieth century, AIU staff failed to acknowledge Iranians who were similarly invested in medical services and public hygiene. Ultimately, the letters help scholars witness historical evolutions in Iran and in the AIU staff's understandings of the Iranian social and medical landscape they inhabited.
The Matsuno–Gill model on the sphere
Authors: Shamir Ofer , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Gerber Edwin P. , Paldor Nathan
Published: June 2023

We extend the Matsuno–Gill model, originally developed on the equatorial

$\beta$

-plane, to the surface of the sphere. While on the

$\beta$

-plane the non-dimensional model contains a single parameter, the damping rate

$\gamma$

, on a sphere the model contains a second parameter, the rotation rate

$\epsilon ^{1/2}$

(Lamb number). By considering the different combinations of damping and rotation, we are able to characterize the solutions over the

$(\gamma, \epsilon ^{1/2})$

plane. We find that the

$\beta$

-plane approximation is accurate only for fast rotation rates, where gravity waves traverse a fraction of the sphere's diameter in one rotation period. The particular solutions studied by Matsuno and Gill are accurate only for fast rotation and moderate damping rates, where the relaxation time is comparable to the time on which gravity waves traverse the sphere's diameter. Other regions of the parameter space can be described by different approximations, including radiative relaxation, geostrophic, weak temperature gradient and non-rotating approximations. The effect of the additional parameter introduced by the sphere is to alter the eigenmodes of the free system. Thus, unlike the solutions obtained by Matsuno and Gill, where the long-term response to a symmetric forcing consists solely of Kelvin and Rossby waves, the response on the sphere includes other waves as well, depending on the combination of

$\gamma$

and

$\epsilon ^{1/2}$

. The particular solutions studied by Matsuno and Gill apply to Earth's oceans, while the more general

$\beta$

-plane solutions are only somewhat relevant to Earth's troposphere. In Earth's stratosphere, Venus and Titan, only the spherical solutions apply.
Which Groups Win Meetings with the President?
Authors: MCCRAY KARRA
Published: June 2023

As Head of State and Chief Administrator, the President oversees the operations and performance of the federal government. With this role, they also can limit the power of special interests, frequently speaking out against them and vowing to save their administrations from their influence. However, further examination of the White House reveals that the words and actions of the president do not always align. Presidents frequently engage with organized interests—but which interests tend to win meetings with the White House?
Effect of mulberry fruit extract on post-prandial glycaemic and insulinemic responses to different rice types: a randomised trial in healthy adults
Authors: Mela David J. , Boers Hanny M. , Kadam Tanvi , Hiemstra Harry , Kalathil Ramitha , Seijen ten Hoorn Jack W. M.
Published: June 2023

We previously reported that the addition of a specified mulberry fruit extract (MFE) to rice consistently reduces post-prandial glycaemic (PPG) and post-prandial insulinemic (PPI) responses. This research tested whether this effect generalises to a broad range of rice types, reflecting the wide variation in rice characteristics known to influence glycaemic responses. In a randomised, balanced, partial factorial crossover design, Sona Masoori (SM), Bora Saul (BS), Gobindobogh (Gb) and Banskati (Bn) rices were tested with and without 0·37 g MFE. Healthy, normal-weight Indian adults (N 120) each consumed four of the eight possible boiled rice meals, all containing about 50 g available carbohydrate. The primary outcome was the effect of MFE on PPG, expressed as the percentage change in the positive, incremental AUC over 2 h. The mean effect of MFE on PPG for all rice types combined was −11·4 % (P < 0·003). The reduction in PPG was in a qualitatively similar range for all rice types (–9·8 to −15·1 %), and this was statistically significant for Bn. MFE also reduced the corresponding PPI response to all rice types combined by a mean of 10·1 % (P < 0·001; range −6·1 to −13·4 %), and the reduction in PPI was statistically significant for SM, Gb and BS. In conclusion, addition of 0·37 g MFE modestly reduced PPG and PPI responses to rices in general, and the effects were statistically significant for specific rice types.
Beyond Legal Measures: A Review of the DRC's Initial Report under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa
Authors: Makunya Trésor Muhindo
Published: June 2023

The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) established a reporting process to monitor compliance. Despite its shortcomings, this process provides an opportunity for states to engage in a frank, constructive and open dialogue with the African Commission on the measures they have adopted to realize women's rights and the challenges they face. The DRC's initial report on implementing the Maputo Protocol provides an opportunity to assess how the country has advanced women's rights. This article notes that the DRC has adopted legislation and policies to comply with some of its obligations under the protocol. However, these have not brought about much transformation in terms of effective enjoyment of rights due to the contested nature of many women's rights and the community's patriarchal mindset. The article argues that states should focus on extra-legal measures that can counteract negative attitudes and beliefs towards women's rights.
Friendly Investing and Information Sharing in the Asset Management Industry
Authors: Golez Benjamin , Rizzo Antonino Emanuele , Zambrana Rafael
Published: June 2023

Do asset managers engage in friendly investing to obtain privileged investment information? We test this hypothesis in the context of mutual fund connections to financial groups. Using brokers as the source of connections, we find that funds overweight the stock of connected financial groups and side with management in contested votes. We also find that fund performance improves with the extent of friendly investing. The improvement stems from trading the stock of companies that borrow from connected financial groups. Brokerage commissions do not drive the results. Our findings suggest that funds can obtain valuable information by acting as friendly shareholders.
How has the idea of prevention been conceptualised and progressed in adult social care in England?
Authors: Tew Jerry , Duggal Sandhya , Carr Sarah
Published: June 2023

Over recent years, a preventative approach has been promoted within adult social care policy and practice in England. However, progress has been somewhat inconsistent, in part due to issues around conceptualising what exactly prevention means within this context. Particularly since the financial crisis, there have emerged tensions between seeing prevention as a positive strategy to build assets and capability; as part of a neo-liberal project to roll back expectations for state support; or simply as a technocratic strategy to increase efficiency by deploying resources ‘upstream’ where they might have greater impact. This paper provides a critical perspective on how policy has unfolded over the last 15 years, which provides the context for an analysis of findings from a national survey of English local authorities and interviews with key stakeholders. These findings demonstrate a substantial commitment to preventative activity, but also some serious confusions and contradictions in how this agenda may be taken forward in the current policy environment.
Stratified social norms
Authors: van Wietmarschen Han
Published: June 2023

This article explains how social norms can help to distinguish and understand a range of different kinds of social inequality and social hierarchy. My aim is to show how the literature on social norms can provide crucial resources to relational egalitarianism, which has made social equality and inequality into a central topic of contemporary normative political theorizing. The hope is that a more discriminating and detailed picture of different kinds of social inequality will help relational egalitarians move beyond a discussion of the justice or injustice of social equality as a single general category.
“Old” Does Not Always Mean “Incompetent”: The Implication of Respect in the Perception of Older People Subtypes
Authors: Boudjemadi Valérian , Świątkowski Wojciech , Vieira Luc , Carrier Antonin , Rohmer Odile
Published: June 2023

Building on the Stereotype Content Model, the present work examined the heterogeneity of the stereotypes about older people. We aimed to broaden the range of perceived predictors of competence in older people and included respect in addition to status. Seventeen subtypes were selected in a pilot study (n = 77). The main study was conducted on a French sample (n = 212) that took part in a self-reported survey. Cluster analysis showed that specific older people subtypes appear in three combinations of warmth and competence. Correlation and regression analyses showed that competition negatively predicts warmth, and that status positively predicts competence. In a substantial number of target groups, respect played a more important role than status in the perception of group competence. To sum up, this study suggests that the perceived competence of older people is not only related to perceived socio-economic status but also to the amount of respect they receive.
Examining the Needs of Family Caregivers of People Living with Dementia in the Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McGhan Gwen , McCaughey Deirdre , Flemons Kristin
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on older adults and their family caregivers (FCGs). For FCGs, the pandemic has impacted almost every dimension of their lives and caregiving routines, from their own risk of becoming ill to their access to resources that support caregiving. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on FCGs’ ability to provide care for their family member with dementia. A total of 115 FCGs who identified as having their family member living with dementia residing in the community completed the survey. Ten family caregivers participated in the follow-up focus groups. Recommendations to address the needs of FCGs now and in the future include: (1) making resources for care provision consistently available and tailored, (2) providing support for navigating the health care system, and (3) supplying concise information on how to provide care during public health emergencies.
Considering Cats, Dogs, and Contradictions: Pets and Their Relational Influence on Experiences of Aging in Place
Authors: Toohey Ann M.
Published: June 2023

Relationships with companion animals, or “pets”, may promote health and well-being for older adults as they age-in-place. Less is known, however, about ways that pet-related challenges may simultaneously influence aging-in-place experiences. This study explores the relational qualities of having pets later in life by considering qualitative accounts of older adults who are aging in the community. Semi-structured interviews with 14 socio-economically diverse, community-dwelling older adult pet-owners (≥ 60 years) living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, were analyzed reflexively. Four recurring themes suggested that companion animal relationships were valued in older adults’ lives and helped them cope with challenging circumstances, even when pets were central to these challenges. Findings also confirmed the relational nature of human-animal relationships as being shaped by both individual attributes and systemic factors. Methodological approaches to addressing these multifaceted complexities when studying pets and aging are considered. Enhanced cross-sectoral community and policy-level supports for aging-in-place with pets may have a population-level influence on health, well-being, and social justice across the socio-demographically diverse aging population.
Resilience of dynamical systems
Authors: Krakovská Hana , Kuehn Christian , Longo Iacopo P.
Published: June 2023

Stability is among the most important concepts in dynamical systems. Local stability is well-studied, whereas determining the ‘global stability’ of a nonlinear system is very challenging. Over the last few decades, many different ideas have been developed to address this issue, primarily driven by concrete applications. In particular, several disciplines suggested a web of concepts under the headline ‘resilience’. Unfortunately, there are many different variants and explanations of resilience, and often, the definitions are left relatively vague, sometimes even deliberately. Yet, to allow for a structural development of a mathematical theory of resilience that can be used across different areas, one has to ensure precise starting definitions and provide a mathematical comparison of different resilience measures. In this work, we provide a systematic review of the most relevant indicators of resilience in the context of continuous dynamical systems, grouped according to their mathematical features. The indicators are also generalised to be applicable to any attractor. These steps are important to ensure a more reliable, quantitatively comparable and reproducible study of resilience in dynamical systems. Furthermore, we also develop a new concept of resilience against certain nonautonomous perturbations to demonstrate how one can naturally extend our framework. All the indicators are finally compared via the analysis of a classic scalar model from population dynamics to show that direct quantitative application-based comparisons are an immediate consequence of a detailed mathematical analysis.
Infantile hemangiomatosis, a rare cause of high-output heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the newborn baby: a case report
Authors: Erol Nurdan , Alpinar Abdullah , Kulcu Nihan Uygur
Published: June 2023

Infantile hemangiomatosis is among the most common vascular tumours of childhood that is generally accepted as benign. Some cases may have multiple hemangiomas with organ involvement, especially of the liver. This case report will present the clinical and laboratory findings obtained during the treatment and follow-up of a 36-day-old female baby with hemangiomatosis with diffuse liver involvement, high-output heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
Early assessment of cardiomyopathy in Duchenne patients by means of longitudinal strain echocardiography
Authors: Clavero-Adell Marcos , Ayerza-Casas Ariadna , Palanca-Arias Daniel , López-Ramón Marta , Jiménez-Montañés Lorenzo , Olmos Salvador
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

The diagnosis of Duchenne-linked cardiomyopathy may be challenging. Conventional echocardiographic measurements typically show deterioration beyond the second decade. Global longitudinal strain has been proposed as an earlier marker than left ventricular ejection fraction.

Material and methods:

A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, case-control study was carried out. Both Duchenne patients and control subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiogram in order to assess left ventricle function. Bayesian linear regression was the main tool for inference. Age effects were parameterised by means of a spline function because of its simplicity to characterise continuous variables and smooth contributions. The posterior distribution of the marginal age effects was used to assess the earliest age of deterioration of each marker.

Results:

Sixteen Duchenne patients and twenty-two healthy male subjects were enrolled. On overage, cardiac function measures were found for ejection fraction and longitudinal strain among different groups. Age effects on global longitudinal strain are more reliably found at ages of 6 and above, while ejection fraction starts to deteriorate at an older age. Progressive left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne patients is one of the key issues and starts at an early age with subtle symptoms.

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional study provides supporting evidence that global longitudinal strain is an earlier marker of disease progression than ejection fraction in Duchenne patients.
Legal Socialization in the Context of Global Transformations
Authors: Paruta Olena , Harasymiv Taras , Lychenko Iryna , Kotukha Oleksandr , Chornopyska Viktoriia
Published: June 2023

This article is devoted to the problem of legal socialization in the context of changes in the global social reality, and the analysis of a set of measures of citizenship legal education as a priority factor of proper legal socialization in modern conditions. The authors’ methodological basis of the research consists of a set of key approaches (synergetic, interdisciplinary, humanistic, cosmopolitan-sociological) and a three-level system of methods: philosophical, general scientific and special scientific methods. The legal statistical method is used for a comprehensive analysis and establishment of certain patterns based on statistical processing of quantitative material collected as a result of the study (certain data from UN and EUROSTAT official documents and publications were used). It is proved that legal socialization conceptualizes two processes for achieving compliance both on the basis of consensus and coercion. Therefore, the task of proper legal policy is the formation of such a mechanism of law-making, law-enforcement and law-interpreting guarantees that take into account the latest requirements of social reality and the classic moral and ethical patterns of existence of civilized nations. It is generalized that the manifestations of the transformation of legal globalization affecting the legal socialization of the individual are manifested in the following: systematic, continuous, rapid renewal of legal knowledge; obtaining legal information through the latest and classic channels; complexity of legal knowledge and practical skills of implementation, interpretation of legal norms; integrativeness; and multiculturalism of legal communication. It is pointed out that citizenship legal education is a priority means of proper legal socialization and a set of legal guarantees to ensure the proper level of proposed citizenship education.
Does extreme temperature exposure take a toll on mental health? Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chen Yanran , Sun Ruochen , Chen Xi , Qin Xuezheng
Published: June 2023

Long-term exposure to extreme temperatures could threaten individuals' mental health and psychological wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the long-term impact of cumulative exposure to extreme temperature. Differently from existing literature, we define extreme temperature exposure in relative terms based on local temperature patterns. Combining the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and environmental data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from 2011 to 2015, this study demonstrates that heat and cold exposure days in the past year significantly increase the measured depression level of adults over age 45 by 1.75 and 3.00 per cent, respectively, controlling for the city, year, and individual fixed effects. The effect is heterogeneous across three components of depression symptoms as well as age, gender, and areas of residency, and air conditioning and heating equipment are effective in alleviating the adverse impact of heat and cold exposure. The estimation is robust and consistent across a variety of temperature measurements and model modifications. Our findings provide evidence on the long-term and accumulative cost of extreme temperature to middle-aged and elderly human capital, contributing to the understanding of the social cost of climate change and the consequent health inequality.