bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alprazolam Reduces Freezing of Gait (FOG) and Improves FOG-Related Gait Deficiencies
Authors: Al Jaja Abdullah , Sue Téa , Prenger Margaret , Seergobin Ken N. , Grahn Jessica A. , MacDonald Penny A.
Published: January 2024

Background. Freezing of gait (FOG) is an intractable motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that increases fall risk and impairs the quality of life. FOG has been associated with anxiety, with experimental support for the notion that anxiety itself provokes FOG. We investigated the effect of acute anxiety reduction via alprazolam on FOG in PD. Methods. In ten patients with PD, FOG, and normal cognition, we administered 0.25 mg alprazolam in one session and placebo in another, in counterbalanced order. At each session, on separate days, patients walked on a pressure-sensitive walkway. Using Oculus Rift virtual-reality goggles, patients walked along a plank that appeared to be (a) level with the floor, in the low-anxiety condition or (b) raised high above the ground, in the high-anxiety conditions. In this way, we assessed the impacts of anxiety and alprazolam (i.e., anxiety reduction) on FOG frequency and other gait parameters. Results. FOG events appeared only in the high-anxiety conditions. Alprazolam significantly reduced subjective and objective measures of anxiety, as well as the prevalence of FOG (p=0.05). Furthermore, alprazolam improved swing time (p<0.05) and gait variability in all conditions, particularly during the elevated plank trials. Interpretation. Our results suggest that (1) anxiety induces FOG, and (2) alprazolam concomitantly reduces anxiety and FOG. Alprazolam further improved gait stability (i.e., swing time and gait variability). These findings reveal that anxiety triggers FOG in PD. Treating anxiety can reduce FOG and improve gait stability, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for this intractable and disabling symptom in PD.
Dietary Selenium Nanoparticles Improved Growth and Health Indices in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Juveniles Reared in High Saline Water
Authors: Mohtashemipour Hamzeh , Mohammadian Takavar , Torfi Mozanzadeh Mansour , Mesbah Mehrzad , Jangaran Nejad Abdolhossein
Published: January 2024

A 60‐day study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) on growth, digestive enzymes, and health status of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, 46.5 ± 0.2 g) juveniles reared in high saline water (48 ppt). Five levels of SeNP were added to a basal diet (45% protein, 15% lipid), including control (0), 0.5 (SeNP0.5), 1.0 (SeNP1), 2 (SeNP2), and 4 (SeNP4) mg SeNP kg−1 diet. Fish were stocked into fifteen 2,000 L tanks (50 fish tank−1) filled with 1,800 L sand‐filtered seawater (26.5 ± 1.5°C, 48.0 ± 0.2 ppt) in a flow‐through system. Each dietary treatment was performed in three replicates. The growth rate positively increased in both linear and quadratic trends with increasing dietary SeNP level (P < 0.05). The liver Se concentration increased with increasing SeNP in diet (P < 0.05). Gut total protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipase, and α‐amylase activities were significantly enhanced in the SeNP4 group compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity improved in fish‐fed SeNP2 and SeNP4 diets regarding catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and the liver glutathione content. Serum lysozyme and hemolytic activities and white blood cells’ respiratory burst activity in the control were lower than in fish‐fed SeNP‐supplemented diets. Serum total protein, globulin, and globulin/albumin ratio in fish‐fed SeNP1, SeNP2, and SeNP4 diets were higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). The interleukin-10 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor genes’ relative transcription levels in the gut of fish‐fed SeNP4 were higher than the other groups. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, ALP, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly decreased in fish with increasing SeNP content in the diet. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 4 mg kg−1, SeNP was recommended to improve growth and health indices in L. calcarifer juveniles reared in high saline water (48 ppt).
Inexact Exponential Penalty Function with the Augmented Lagrangian for Multiobjective Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Tougma Appolinaire , Some Kounhinir
Published: January 2024

This paper uses an augmented Lagrangian method based on an inexact exponential penalty function to solve constrained multiobjective optimization problems. Two algorithms have been proposed in this study. The first algorithm uses a projected gradient, while the second uses the steepest descent method. By these algorithms, we have been able to generate a set of nondominated points that approximate the Pareto optimal solutions of the initial problem. Some proofs of theoretical convergence are also proposed for two different criteria for the set of generated stationary Pareto points. In addition, we compared our method with the NSGA‐II and augmented the Lagrangian cone method on some test problems from the literature. A numerical analysis of the obtained solutions indicates that our method is competitive with regard to the test problems used for the comparison.
TABLE 2 from Analysis of Changes in Plasma Cytokine Levels in Response to IL12 Therapy in Three Clinical Trials
Authors: Schwarz Emily , Benner Brooke , Yu Lianbo , Tounkara Fode , Carson William E.
Published: January 2024

Tumor type, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients (n = 21) included from OSU-0167, OSU-9968, and OSU-11010
Temporal Trends in Substance Use and Cardiovascular Disease–Related Mortality in the United States
Authors: Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Hall Michael E. , Warraich Haider J. , Greene Stephen J. , Shapiro Michael D. , Michos Erin D. , Sauer Andrew J. , Abramov Dmitry
Published: January 2024

Background

There are limited data on substance use (SU) and cardiovascular disease (CVD)–related mortality trends in the United States. We aimed to evaluate SU+CVD–related deaths in the United States using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging, Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database.

Methods and Results

The Multiple Cause‐of‐Death Public Use record death certificates were used to identify deaths related to both SU and CVD. Crude, age‐adjusted mortality rates, annual percent change, and average annual percent changes with a 95% CI were analyzed. Between 1999 and 2019, there were 636 572 SU+CVD‐related deaths (75.6% men, 70.6% non‐Hispanic White individuals, 65% related to alcohol). Age‐adjusted mortality rates per 100 000 population were pronounced in men (22.5 [95% CI, 22.6–22.6]), American Indian or Alaska Native individuals (37.7 [95% CI, 37.0–38.4]), nonmetropolitan/rural areas (15.2 [95% CI, 15.1–15.3]), and alcohol‐related death (9.09 [95% CI, 9.07 to 9.12]). The overall SU+CVD‐related age‐adjusted mortality rates increased from 9.9 (95% CI, 9.8–10.1) in 1999 to 21.4 (95% CI, 21.2–21.6) in 2019 with an average annual percent change of 4.0 (95% CI, 3.7–4.3). Increases in SU+CVD‐related average annual percent change were noted across all subgroups and were pronounced among women (4.8% [95% CI, 4.5–5.1]), American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, younger individuals, nonmetropolitan areas, and cannabis and psychostimulant users.

Conclusions

There was a prominent increase in SU+CVD‐related mortality in the United States between 1999 and 2019. Women, non‐Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, younger individuals, nonmetropolitan area residents, and users of cannabis and psychostimulants had pronounced increases in SU+CVD mortality.
A database of the healthy human spinal cord morphometry in the PAM50 template space
Authors: Valošek Jan , Bédard Sandrine , Keřkovský Miloš , Rohan Tomáš , Cohen-Adad Julien
Published: January 2024

Measures of spinal cord morphometry computed from magnetic resonance images serve as relevant prognostic biomarkers for a range of spinal cord pathologies, including traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases. However, interpreting these imaging biomarkers is difficult due to considerable intra- and inter-subject variability. Yet, there is no clear consensus on a normalization method that would help reduce this variability and more insights into the distribution of these morphometrics are needed. In this study, we computed a database of normative values for six commonly used measures of spinal cord morphometry: cross-sectional area, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, compression ratio, eccentricity, and solidity. Normative values were computed from a large open-access dataset of healthy adult volunteers (N = 203) and were brought to the common space of the PAM50 spinal cord template using a newly proposed normalization method based on linear interpolation. Compared to traditional image-based registration, the proposed normalization approach does not involve image transformations and, therefore, does not introduce distortions of spinal cord anatomy. This is a crucial consideration in preserving the integrity of the spinal cord anatomy in conditions such as spinal cord injury. This new morphometric database allows researchers to normalize based on sex and age, thereby minimizing inter-subject variability associated with demographic and biological factors. The proposed methodology is open-source and accessible through the Spinal Cord Toolbox (SCT) v6.0 and higher.
Learning to Judge Religious Conflicts
Authors: Gabelt Frederike
Published: January 2024

In times of increasing polarisation and fragmentation in societies, the ability to form a judgement gain in importance. Judgement competence is, therefore, one of the key competencies that students at German schools should develop. In RE, however, teachers often avoid addressing religious conflicts that disrupt social cohesion. This is due to the circumstance, that it is widely undefined in RE didactics, what is to be learned and tested in terms of judgement competence. Moreover, there is limited knowledge on how to empirically measure such competence.

This paper addresses this demand by proposing a model of judgement competence for RE. In the model, competence is conceptualised so that it reveals the mental process of judging religious conflicts. Furthermore, the model depicts external factors, e.g., knowledge and attitudes, that influencing judgement. By showing the complex judging process and its influencing factors, the model allows to explore pedagogical implications for fostering students’ judgements.
Diagnostic Competencies of Religious Education Teachers – Requirements and Challenges
Authors: Sieveke Annalena
Published: January 2024

Assessing and supporting are, in addition to teaching, educating and innovating, core competencies of teaching professionals. Particularly in the field of didactics of mathematics and educational sciences an increased interest in the conceptualization of diagnostic competencies of teachers has emerged in recent years. In contrast, research on diagnostic competencies of RE teachers is still limited to few conceptual approaches (Reis, 2018, 194) and requires further investigation.

This contribution sharpens domain-specific challenges of diagnostic competencies of RE teachers based on the concept of formative Assessment. In view of current research findings of educational sciences challenges of assessment in RE such as the epistemological structure of religious knowledge in assessment tasks and questions to elicit student thinking and RE teachers’ professional reflection in formative assessment processes are discussed.
Effect of exercise on different factors affecting the immune system
Authors: Kaushik H.
Published: January 2024

Exercise has been shown to improve immune competence. The immune system functions to distinguish between ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ and is composed of innate and adaptive immune cells. Exercise, especially regular moderate-intensity exercise, has positive effects on the immune system, including enhanced vaccination responses, reduced inflammation, improved neutrophil activity, and longer leukocyte telomeres. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to an increased risk of diseases, while regular exercise is beneficial for immune function and overall health. The effects of exercise on the immune system depend on factors such as exercise intensity, duration, and type. Exercise-induced immune responses vary in different populations, including young and elderly individuals, with variations in the magnitude and extent of the effects. Exercise has been associated with reduced immunosenescence and improved vaccine-induced immunity. Factors such as age, sex, genetics, microbial diversity, and environmental influences also impact immune function. Understanding the complex relationship between exercise, external factors, and immune responses is important for developing tailored interventions and improving health outcomes. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of exercise on the immune system. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of exercise on variations of the immune system caused by various factors, providing further insights into the complex relationship between exercise and immunity.
Gut production of GABA by a probiotic formula: an in vitro study
Authors: Casertano M. , Fryganas C. , Valentino V. , Troise A.D. , Vitaglione P. , Fogliano V. , Ercolini D.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a probiotic formula on the production of neuroactive compounds in different parts of the colon in batch culture and in vitro gut simulator experiments. Thirteen lactic acid bacterial strains, belonging to the species Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus, were characterised for their in vitro ability to produce neurotransmitters. L. brevis P30021 and L. plantarum P30025 were selected based on their capability to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine in vitro. A probiotic formulation with potential psychobiotic activity was prepared and tested in a batch culture of human microbiota monitoring the formation of GABA and acetylcholine. Samples of the three colonic tracts were taken from the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbiota (SHIME®) evaluating the production of GABA and other neurotransmitters by LC-MS. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by GC and microbiota composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were also determined. Probiotic supplementation led to the formation of GABA and acetylcholine with a decrease in glutamate concentrations in the in vitro batch fermentation. Production of GABA after the treatment with probiotics was confirmed in the SHIME® short-term experiment. No differences in short-chain fatty acids were observed up to 72 h of fermentation. Different microbiota composition was found in the three different parts of the colon, with a higher abundance of Veillonellaceae in the ascending colon vessels. The probiotic-exposed microbiota showed higher levels of Bacteroides, a gut microbe associated with anti-inflammatory activities and a potential GABA producer. Results demonstrate the impact of the tested probiotic formula on gut microbiota structure and GABA production. In conclusion, the probiotic treatment changed the microbiota composition and increased neuroactive metabolites production, indicating promising potential as psychobiotics, even if further clinical evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these probiotics in improving mental health.
Taxonomy of the genus Periacma Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Autostichidae) from China, with a checklist of the world species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , XU ZHIXIN
Published: January 2024

Ten new species of the genus Periacma Meyrick, 1894 are described: P. anterosinuata sp. nov., P. falcata sp. nov., P. largiloba sp. nov., P. laterispinulosa sp. nov., P. platygnatha sp. nov., P. ludingensis sp. nov., P. mediacantha sp. nov., P. securiformis sp. nov., P. solitaridens sp. nov. and P. subaequalis sp. nov. Periacma lianzhouensis (Wang, 2006) comb. nov. is transferred from the genus Irepacma to the present genus. The females of P. acriuncata Wang, Li & Liu, 2001, P. ferialis Meyrick, 1894, P. lianzhouensis (Wang, 2006), P. nepalensis Ueda et Moriuti, 1996 and P. rectignatha Wang et Li, 2006 are described for the first time. Periacma himalayensis Ueda et Moriuti, 1996, P. kunai Moriuti, Saito et Lewvanich, 1985, P. nakhonnayokensis Moriuti, Saito et Lewvanich, 1985 and P. nepalensis Ueda et Moriuti, 1996 are newly recorded for the Chinese fauna. Images of the new species and the newly described females are provided, and a global checklist of the described Periacma species is included.
Mantodea (Insecta) in the Invertebrate Collection of Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Brazil
Authors: AGUDELO ANTONIO A. , GOMES JOÃO P. , RAFAEL JOSÉ A.
Published: January 2024

Increasingly, scientific collections play a fundamental role in the conservation and analysis of biodiversity as a witness and repository of ecosystem organisms at risk of losing their species. The Invertebrate Collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) safeguards biological information, mainly from the Amazon biome, one of the most diverse and threatened ecosystems on the planet. Mantodea specimens deposited dry in the INPA Collection were reviewed. A total of 2,721 specimens were found deposited until the year 2019. A total of 194 species and 81 genera were found with representatives of all the neotropical and several "Old-World" families. Families such as Mantidae, Photinaidae, and Thespidae represented the highest percentages of specimens collected within the sample, with 30%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Four genera and fourteen species are recorded for the first time for Brazil, bringing the number of species to 247. This officially makes Brazil the most diverse country in terms of Mantodea fauna on the planet. The Collection stands out for being the most diverse reported in Latin America, even with several species yet to be described. Presently it has seven primary type specimens and 26 secondary type specimens. The excellent state of conservation of the specimens, the number of specimens, and the diversity represented have made the INPA Collection an international benchmark for Amazonian and Neotropical studies on Mantodea.
Discovery of three new species of Thiratoscirtus (Araneae: Salticidae: Thiratoscirtinae) from Central African rainforest
Authors: PETT BROGAN L. , IYOMI DIEU MERCI MPONGO , MBENDE MENARD
Published: January 2024

Three new species of Thiratoscirtus are described from Salonga National Park, D.R. Congo: Thiratoscirtus iyomii (♂♀), T. kalisia (♀) and T. khonvoum (♀). All species were caught on the forest floor during a rapid biodiversity inventory and represent the second report of spider collections from the largest protected tropical rainforest reserve in Africa.
Extraction, Characterization and Use of Nano Additive Blended Copyrolysis Oil as Substitute Fuel in a DI Diesel Engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction Technique
Authors: Sachuthananthan B. , Vinoth R.
Published: January 2024

In this work, the co-pyrolysis of biomass (a mixture of rice husk and straw) and high density polyethylene was utilized to extract and characterize the oil in order to find the best promising process parameters. Additionally, the recovered oil was mixed with different concentrations
of Zinc Oxide additive and put into a Diesel Engine to test its efficiency and pollution characteristics along with selective catalytic reduction technique. According to test results, 75:25 ratio produced the highest oil output (high density polyethylene:rice straw husk ratio). Upgrading the
rate of heating to 10 °C/min enhanced oil yield, and an additional increase to 15 °C/min give rise to a striking drop in oil output. By heating at 10 °C/min, the greatest copyrolysis oil was produced in the range of 525 to 545 °C. Analysis of the copyrolysis oil revealed the
existence of alcohol cluster like alkene, alkane etc., From C5 to C28, there are around 90 different fuel types of hydrocarbons, and other thermophysical components are identical to petro diesel. According to engine test results, adding 75 ppm of nanoparticles to copyrolysis
oil increased thermal efficiency by 2.5% when compared to plain copyrolysis oil. SCR was used at the exhaust, which ensued in a 74% drop in NOx pollution. For the aforementioned copyrolysis blend, other pollutants like HC reduced by 1.3%, CO decreased by 1.5%, and CO2 slightly declined
by 0.3%.
Kinematic Design of Adaptive Control Adjustable Stroke Piston Pump for Automated Lubrication System
Authors: Labade Kirankumar , Purohit Pritee
Published: January 2024

Lubrication is done either manually or using automatic systems, the purpose of the automatic lubrication system is to provide certain amount of lubricant at given time to the machines the proposed work is based on auto control variable displacement pump and referencing to literature
survey it is a novel work involves, an innovative kinematic link base stroke changing mechanism. The stoke variation mechanism serves to alter the stroke of the piston pump in a controlled manner to control the flow rate of the pump precisely. The present work pertains to the design theoretically
and kinematic synthesis of the components of the kinematic linkage. The theoretical design of the kinematic linkage is done using graphical method by overlay method, and the analysis of the kinematic linkage is done using adam’s software. The linkage motion for various angle of crank
and corresponding output link are derived from this kinematic synthesis. The kinematic analysis of the linkage is done in using adam’s software and the motion study of the link is done to determine the parameters velocity of link and acceleration of link used in the mechanism.
Clinical Outcomes of Early Versus Late Enteral Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Trauma Patients With Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Breeding Tessa , Nasef Hazem , Patel Heli , Awan Muhammad Usman , Chin Brian , Cruz Francis , Zito Tracy , Smith Chadwick P. , Elkbuli Adel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study aims to compare the impact of early initiation of enteral feeding initiation on clinical outcomes in critically ill adult trauma patients with isolated traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Program Participant Use File 2017-2021 dataset of critically ill adult trauma patients with moderate to severe blunt isolated TBI. Outcomes included ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS), ventilation-free days (VFD), and complication rates. Timing cohorts were defined as very early (<6 hours), early (6-24 hours), intermediate (24-48 hours), and late (>48 hours).

Results

9210 patients were included in the analysis, of which 952 were in the very early enteral feeding initiation group, 652 in the early, 695 in intermediate, and 6938 in the late group. Earlier feeding was associated with significantly shorter ICU-LOS (very early: 7.82 days; early: 11.28; intermediate 12.25; late 17.55; P < .001) and more VFDs (very early: 21.72 days; early: 18.81; intermediate 18.81; late 14.51; P < .001). Patients with late EF had a significantly higher risk of VAP than very early (OR .21, CI 0.12-.38, P < .001) or early EF (OR .33, CI 0.17-.65, P = .001), and higher risk of ARDS than the intermediate group (OR .23, CI 0.05-.925, P = .039).

Conclusion

Early enteral feeding in critically ill adult trauma patients with moderate to severe isolated TBI resulted in significantly fewer days in the ICU, more ventilation-free days, and lower odds of VAP and ARDS the sooner enteral feeding was initiated, with the most optimized outcomes within 6 hours.
Dynamic Molecular Markers of Otosclerosis in the Human Cochlea
Authors: Hodge Sarah , Lopez Ivan A , Cronkite Alex , House John , Matsui Hirooki , Ishiyama Gail , Ishiyama Akira
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To investigate the role and distribution of various molecular markers using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to further elucidate and understand the pathogenesis of otosclerosis.

Methods:

Archival celloidin formalin-fixed 20-micron thick histologic sections from 7 patients diagnosed with otosclerosis were studied and compared to controls. Sections in the mid-modiolar region were immunoreacted with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against nidogen-1, β2-laminin, collagen-IX, BSP, and monoclonal antibodies against TGF β-1 and ubiquitin. Digital images were acquired using a high-resolution light and laser confocal microscope.

Results:

Nidogen-1, BSP, and collagen-IX were expressed in the otospongiotic regions, and to lesser extent, in the otosclerotic regions, the latter previously believed to be inactive. β2-laminin and ubiquitin were uniformly expressed in both otospongiotic and otosclerotic regions. There was a basal level of expression of all of these markers in the normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss specimens utilized as control. TGF β -1, however, though present in the otosclerosis bones, was absent in the normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss controls.

Conclusions:

Our results propose that the activity and function of TGF-1 may play a key role in the development and pathogenesis of otosclerosis. Further studies utilizing a higher number of temporal bone specimens will be helpful for future analysis and to help decipher its role as a potential target in therapeutic interventions.
Detecting thyrotropin receptor mRNA from peripheral blood of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer rules out non-aggressive cases
Authors: Janković Miljuš Jelena R , Prosenc Zmrzljak Uršula , Košir Rok , Jovanović Milan , Đorić Ilona Đ , Rončević Jelena V , Išić Denčić Tijana M , Šelemetjev Sonja A
Published: January 2024

Background

Early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is hampered by the inability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to accurately classify ∼30% of cases while preoperative cancer staging detects lymph nodal involvement in only half of cases. Liquid biopsy may present an accurate, non-invasive alternative for preoperative thyroid nodule assessment. Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) mRNA, a surrogate marker for circulating cancer cells (CTC), may be an option for early detection of malignancy from peripheral blood, but requires methodological improvements. We aimed to investigate if TSHR mRNA can be detected in low sample volumes by employing an ultrasensitive method – droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Methods

Less than 5 mL of blood was collected from 47 patients with thyroid nodules (25 benign and 22 malignant). RNA was isolated from the fraction of mononuclear cells where CTCs segregate. Samples were analysed for the presence of TSHR mRNA by ddPCR.

Results

Thyrotropin receptor mRNA was detectable in 4 mL sample volumes, with the test having good specificity (80%) but modest diagnostic accuracy (68.1%). Combining TSHR mRNA with ultrasound features and FNAB diagnosis, the test reaches high rule-out performances (sensitivity = 90% and NPV = 88.2%). Strikingly, TSHR mRNA correctly classified all samples with thyroid capsule invasion, lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension. If aggressiveness is defined using these parameters, TSHR mRNA test reaches 100% sensitivity and 100% NPV for detecting high-risk cases.

Conclusions

Employing ddPCR for TSHR mRNA improves its measurement by enabling detection in sample volumes common for laboratory testing. The test displays high prognostic performance, showing potential in preoperative risk assessment.
Support Perceived by Children and Youth During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain
Authors: Trull-Oliva Carme , Noell Judit Fullana , Pallisera Maria , Planas-Lladó Anna
Published: January 2024

This article forms part of research into the role of support offered to children and youth by different community agents during the pandemic. In order to carry out the research, an online questionnaire was designed and administered between October 2021 and January 2022, to which 1,216 people in Catalonia (Spain) aged between 9 and 18 years responded. This article presents the results of the analysis of the open questions, in which participants specified the type of support and help they had received. The results show that the support offered by schools mainly focused on the continuity of the learning process; that the family was a main source of emotional support; and that communal leisure activities contributed to health and recreation. It concludes underlining the importance of the community, and the need to strengthen the complementarity of the various surroundings as support providers when situations of generalized adversity arise.
Analysis of Variation in Foreign Inflows by Different Categories of Foreign Portfolio Investors
Authors: Gupta Akriti , Kumar Parul
Published: January 2024

The liberalisation of Indian financial markets has smoothened the capital flows of international institutional investors, resulting in rising foreign investor participation in the domestic equity and debt markets. Since the reforms of the 1990s, India has become one of the favourite investment hubs of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) across the globe. The research aims to analyse the variation in contribution to foreign inflows by the three different categories of foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) and the determinants of inflows of the categories of FPIs. The study is based on the use of secondary data collected from the National Securities Depository Limited and the Securities Exchange Board of India. One-way ANOVA has been employed to examine the variation in inflows by different categories of FIIs. Autor regressive distributed lag model has been used to understand the factors determining the inflows of FPIs. The results of the study revealed that there exists variation in the inflows of investments among the different categories of FIIs. The variation in inflows by different categories into equity instruments was significant, while the inflows into debt instruments were not significant. Furthermore, the highest inflows were seen from the second category of FIIs.

JEL Codes: C32, G2
Group-Based Incentives and Individual Performance: A Study of the Effort Response
Authors: Frederiksen Anders , Hansen Daniel Baltzer Schjødt , Manchester Colleen Flaherty
Published: January 2024

Group-based incentives are attractive in contexts where production is interdependent. Prior work shows such incentives increase group performance despite freeriding concerns, yet little is known about the effort response of individuals. Using individual-level data, the authors assess the introduction of group-based performance pay using difference-in-difference estimation. Overall, performance increased by 19%. Nearly all workers contributed to this effect. Further, two-thirds of this effect stems from increased efficiency (more output per unit of time) and one-third from higher attendance. Both incentive and selection effects are present. By leveraging individual-level data, the authors pose new questions and evidence to the group-based incentives literature.
Employer Discretion: The Role of Collective Agreements in the Liberalization of Industrial Relations
Authors: Boumans Saskia
Published: January 2024

The gradual shift in power relations between organized employers and employees since the 1970s has increasingly affected the functioning of national industrial relations systems. According to a broad literature, the most important of these consequences is an increase in employer discretion. This article tests this claim by performing a longitudinal content analysis on three Dutch collective contracts. It develops an analytical framework based on four dimensions of employer discretion. Results show that although employer discretion did increase on all four dimensions between the mid-1970s and the 2020s, significant temporal and sectoral variation has occurred. In addition, the article argues that a loss of democratic influence by employees intensified the increase of the one-sided decision-making powers of employers, and that the collective contract is being transformed from a joint labor–capital effort to solve workplace problems to a management instrument.
Evidence on the Relationship between Pension-Driven Financial Incentives and Late-Career Attrition: Implications for Pension Reform
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Grout Cyrus , Holden Kristian L. , McGee Josh B.
Published: January 2024

Retirement plans can create strong financial incentives that have important labor market implications, and many states have adopted alternative plan designs that significantly change these incentives. The authors use longitudinal data to investigate the impact of Washington State’s 1996 introduction of a hybrid retirement plan on late-career attrition. The unique setup of Washington’s plans allows them to provide empirical evidence on the influence of financial incentives created by statutory retirement eligibility thresholds. Findings show that despite facing very different financial incentives, teachers enrolled in the hybrid and traditional plans respond similarly to reaching a key retirement eligibility threshold. The authors hypothesize that teachers are anchoring to the eligibility thresholds, muting the influence of the financial incentives. They also provide evidence that, in the presence of bright-line eligibility thresholds that can anchor workers’ separation behavior, commonly used structural models may overpredict workers’ responsiveness to the financial incentives embedded in retirement plans.
Automatic tracking and intelligent observation of tidal bore propagation velocity based on UAV and computer vision
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Zhan Guangjie , Ding Tao , Jiang He , Wang Yaqin , Zhang Yi , Liu Li
Published: January 2024

The rapidly developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and artificial intelligence technology has prompted the real-time and accurate observation measurements of tidal bore, the basis of which is tidal bore propagation velocity. In this article, we construct a tidal observation system framework based on UAV and computer vision in order to obtain the tidal bore propagating velocity datasets. Firstly, we focus on the identification of tidal headlines based on the Sobel edge detection, the improved Otsu image segmentation algorithm and the edge connection algorithm with an accuracy of 91%. And then, the detected tidal headlines could be used to control the flight parameters of UAV in order to stably track tidal bore on the specified route with the deviation range below 0.5, and finally to acquire the tidal bore propagation velocity datasets. Comparing with the propagation velocity of the tidal line measured on site, the error of the results is maintained within 0.1 m/s, which demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed observation method.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Improves Periodontal Bone Repair via Gut–Blood Axis in Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Huang Y. , Ge R. , Qian J. , Lu J. , Qiao D. , Chen R. , Jiang H. , Cui D. , Zhang T. , Wang N. , He S. , Wang M. , Yan F.
Published: January 2024

Periodontal bone regeneration remains a clinical challenge, and hyperlipidemia can aggravate alveolar bone resorption. Probiotics have recently been reported to improve bone mass. We aimed to determine the role of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in periodontal bone regeneration improvement within the context of periodontitis with hyperlipidemia. A Sprague Dawley rat model for periodontitis, hyperlipidemia, and periodontal fenestration defect was constructed ( n = 36) and administered LGG gavage for 6 wk (the rats were subsequently sacrificed). Fecal microbiota from donor rats 3 wk after LGG gavage was transplanted into recipient rats to evaluate the role of LGG-modulated gut microbiota in periodontal bone regeneration. Regenerated bone mass was detected using micro–computerized tomography and hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Serum metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (6 wk after LGG gavage). The pro-osteogenic effects of screened serum metabolite were verified in vitro on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). We found that the bone mineral density, bone volume (BV), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular thickness of the regenerated periodontal bone increased after LGG gavage ( P < 0.05) but had little effect on oral flora. After LGG gavage, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Collinsella in the gut of donors were significantly changed, and these differences were maintained in recipients, who also showed increased trabecular thickness of the regenerated periodontal bone ( P < 0.05). These key genera were correlated with BV/TV and BV ( P < 0.05). In addition, LGG gavage significantly regulated bone-related blood metabolites, of which selenomethionine promoted BMMSC osteogenesis. Notably, selenomethionine was associated with key gut genera ( P < 0.05). Collectively, LGG improved periodontal bone regeneration in the context of periodontitis with hyperlipidemia by modulating gut microbiota and increasing pro-osteogenic metabolites in the blood. These results reveal new insights into the use of probiotics to promote periodontal bone regeneration via the gut–blood–bone axis.
Casp11 Deficiency Alters Subgingival Microbiota and Attenuates Periodontitis
Authors: Fu S.L. , Qian Y.Y. , Dai A.N. , Li H.Y. , Jin X.H. , He W.T. , Kang S. , Ding P.H.
Published: January 2024

Periodontitis (PD) is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P.g), a keystone pathogen, has been identified as a crucial contributor to this process. Pyroptosis activation in PD is acknowledged, with accumulating evidence underscoring the crucial role of Caspase-11 (described as Caspase-4/5 in humans)–mediated noncanonical pyroptosis. However, the mechanism behind its impact on PD remains unclear. In this study, we delved into the interplay between the Caspase-11–mediated noncanonical pyroptosis, subgingival microbiota alteration, and macrophage polarization. Clinical samples from PD patients revealed heightened expression of Caspase-4, gasdermin-D, and their active fragments, pointing to the activation of the noncanonical pyroptosis. Single-cell sequencing analysis linked Caspase-4 with gingival macrophages, emphasizing their involvement in PD. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that P.g-induced pyroptosis was activated in macrophages, with Casp11 deficiency attenuating these effects. In an experimental PD mouse model, Casp11 deficiency led to an alteration in subgingival microbiota composition and reduced alveolar bone resorption. Casp11 -/- mice cohousing with wild-type mice confirmed the alteration of the subgingival microbiota and aggravated the alveolar bone resorption. Notably, Casp11 deficiency led to decreased M1-polarized macrophages, corresponding with reduced alveolar bone resorption, uncovering a connection between subgingival microbiota alteration, macrophage M1 polarization, and alveolar bone resorption. Taken together, we showed that Caspase-11 fulfilled a crucial role in the noncanonical pyroptosis in PD, potentially influencing the subgingival microbiota and linking to M1 polarization, which was associated with alveolar bone resorption. These findings underscored the pivotal role of the Caspase-11–mediated noncanonical pyroptosis in PD pathogenesis and may provide critical insights into potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating PD.
Physician-made pericardium stent graft as a potential endovascular alternative for infectious aortic disease – an ex-vivo proof-of-concept study
Authors: Reutersberg Benedikt , Meuli Lorenz , Zimmermann Alexander , Busch Albert
Published: January 2024

Purpose.

The treatment of infectious aortic disease is still challenging with open surgical debridement and reconstruction using biological, preferably autologous material, being the treatment of choice. However, these procedures are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular therapy is often considered a bridging method only, since the biologically inactive fabric of the covered stent grafts usually cannot be treated sufficiently with anti-infective agents in the event of a (obligate) consecutive secondary graft infection. This study aims to prove the feasibility of a physician-made pericardium stent graft ex-vivo.

Technique.

A state-of-the-art TEVAR was modified by separating the fabric from the z-stents and suturing a hand-sewn bovine pericardium tube to the bare metal. Feasibility of preparation, re-sheathing, and delivery is demonstrated in an ex-vivo model.

Conclusion.

This first xenogeneic stent graft could be manufactured and deployed successfully. In the future this may provide a bridging alternative for high-risk patients with infected native aortic aneurysm or aortic fistulas, eventually followed by surgical or thoracoscopic/laparoscopic debridement. Further studies on simulators or animal models are needed to test the technique and investigate its long-term durability. Additionally, this study prompts reflection on whether materials currently used should be further developed to prevent graft infections.
Borders Start With Numbers: How Migration Data Create “Fake Illegals”
Authors: Savatic Filip , Thiollet Hélène , Mesnard Alice , Senne Jean-Noël , Jaulin Thibaut
Published: January 2024

Sudden rises in migration across the borders of the Global North have persistently attracted substantial media attention and fueled hostility toward “irregular migrants” and “bogus refugees.” While existing qualitative studies have extensively criticized the migrant-refugee distinction, we offer unique quantitative evidence of how migration numbers and labels construct impressions of increased irregular migration while in fact creating “fake illegals.” We conduct a two-stage mixed-method analysis, demonstrating first that data on “irregular/illegal border crossings” (IBCs) published by Frontex have become an authoritative source of information on migration flows cited in a corpus of mainstream news media articles. We then posit that, while persecutions and violence in countries of origin may trigger migration, it is policies in destination states that determine who “is” and “isn’t” a refugee. In turn, we develop a novel method to divide IBCs into those who would likely obtain asylum in 31 European destination states (“likely refugees”) and those who would not (“likely irregular migrants”) across time given asylum acceptance rates by nationality. We estimate that between 2009 and 2021 most border crossers labeled as “irregular/illegal” (55.4%) were actually “likely refugees,” a proportion we estimate to be 75.5% at the peak of arrivals in 2015. Thus, we find that sudden and large increases in border crossings concentrated in space likely concern forced rather than irregular migrants. Altogether, our constructivist approach reveals how migration data and categories both influence and are influenced by securitized border policies and that, in this respect, borders start with numbers.
Uprooted Families: Caretaking, Belonging, and Inheritance During and After Displacement
Authors: A. Cramsey Sarah
Published: January 2024

Stories about those uprooted from their homes are almost always stories about families, the youngest children within them and those who cared for them. From the ancient world when grand deportations accompanied military defeats to contemporary displacement unleashed by conflict, persecution, and climate change, forced movement unsettles family homes, creates new routines, and reshapes the constant work which necessarily surrounds family life, from cradles to graves. Lately, I have become particularly fascinated by the continuous, often “invisible” care that offspring and those who raise them demand during both “extraordinary” and “ordinary” times. How do we as human beings sustain, cherish, and honor life through care and how does the invisible work associated with this care change over (all different types of) time? Like all great historical questions, these inquiries repel easy answers. The shock of human deracination, however, has the potention to render the invisible visible and pushes caregiving into a more glaring light. The experience of displacement, uprootedness, and forced movement reveals the invisible work attached to various forms of caregiving explicitly. Motion, or more precisely the legacy and history of motion, helps reveal facets of invisible work in these cases and others that find space in this special issue and found voice at a conference that I convened at Leiden University in September 2022. The contents of this introduction and the articles which follows will demonstrate this repeatedly across geographical, historical, and interdisciplinary contexts.
Is social support beneficial after a breakup? A moderation model of social support, depression, emotional volatility and gender for college students during COVID-19
Authors: Wang Qianyi , Rice Kenneth G. , Arana Fernán G. , Wetstone Hannah , Bunker Benson
Published: January 2024

The current study focused on those who had recently experienced a relationship breakup, which add extra stressors to college students who have already suffered from negative influences of COVID-19. Social support could act as a coping resource to alleviate the negative consequences of breakup and COVID-19 on mental health. Although social support has long been found to have a protective role on mental health, several studies indicated that social support could have differential effects, and even harmful effects on people with high negative emotionality. To understand the roles social support play, we used a longitudinal design to study potential moderators (negative emotionality [or neuroticism] and gender) in the relationship between social support and depression. For students who experienced a relational disruption, our research questions were (1) what are the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between social support and depression before and during COVID-19, and (2) are these relationships moderated by negative emotionality and gender? Participants 361 students ( M age = 23.3, 64% female) from Argentina and the USA who had experienced recent relationship breakups. Participants completed pre-pandemic questionnaires, and were followed up on depression level six months later, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that social support and negative emotionality were significantly related to concurrent depression. Pre-pandemic social support showed a weak correlation with depression levels during COVID-19. Negative emotionality and gender were not significant moderators in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Results supported the concurrent effects of social support on depression and indicated the potential value of targeting social support during COVID-19. The study also offered several directions for future research.