bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Women with Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Hilowle Nasra Mohamud , Ahmed Said Abdirahman , Yusuf Ali Khadija , Altinel Ercan , Waberi Mohamud Mire , Hassan Mohamed Sheikh , Köprülü Diyar , Ali Abdijalil Abdullahi , Hassan Mohamed Omar
Published: November 2023

Intensive care for a hypertensive mother with preeclampsia or eclampsia is crucial for both maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study highlights the level of morbidity and mortality among women with preeclampsia and eclampsia admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted in Mogadishu, Somalia, at the Mogadishu Somali Türkiye Training and Research Hospital from February 2019 to July 2022. The study focused on the different complications, managements, and final outcomes of preeclampsia and eclampsia mothers admitted to the intensive care unit. The data was retrieved from the electronic records of patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Results. During our study period, a total of 237 patients were identified as having preeclampsia/eclampsia, of whom 71 required intensive care admission. The mean age of the studied patients was 25 ± 6 years. The most common reason for being taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) was having a seizure (n = 33, 46.5%), followed by having very high blood pressure (n = 20, 28.2%), and being confused (n = 18, 25.3%). Peripartum infection was the most common maternal complication during ICU admission (66.7%), followed by cardiac-related arrhythmia (66.7%), postpartum bleeding (48%), acute kidney injury (18.4%), HELLP syndrome (16.4%), severe anemia (9.6%), and stroke (8.7%). Among patients, 65 (91.5%) needed mechanical ventilation. About 11.1% of these patients died during hospitalization. There were associations between mortality and some complications, particularly acute kidney injury

p

value less than 0.02) and peripartum infection (

p

value less than 0.003). Conclusion. Hypertensive disease of pregnancy (preeclampsia/eclampsia) requiring intensive care unit admission has a very high morbidity and mortality rate.
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Preclinical Potential of Pereskia grandifolia in Metabolic‐Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Rodrigues Albuquerque Edilson , Ratti da Silva Gustavo , de Abreu Braga Fernanda , Pelegrini Silva Ester , Sposito Negrini Karina , Rodrigues Fracasso Julia Amanda , Pires Guarnier Lucas , Jacomassi Ezilda , Ribeiro-Paes João Tadeu , da Silva Gomes Roberto , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes , Lívero Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis
Published: November 2023

Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a complex condition characterized by steatosis and metabolic disturbances. Risk factors such as diabetes, cigarette smoking, and dyslipidaemia contribute to its development and progression. Effective and safe therapies for MAFLD are urgently needed. Pereskia grandifolia has shown potential as an alternative treatment, but its effectiveness against liver disease remains unexplored. This research aims to determine the hepatoprotective properties of P. grandifolia using a model of MAFLD. The study was carried out through various phases to assess the safety and efficacy of the ethanol‐soluble fraction of P. grandifolia. Initially, an in vitro assay was performed to assess cell viability. This was followed by an acute toxicity test conducted in rats to determine the safety profile of the extract. Subsequently, the anti‐inflammatory properties of P. grandifolia were examined in macrophages. For the MAFLD study, diabetic Wistar rats were made diabetic and exposed to a high fat diet and cigarette smoke, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were orally given either the vehicle (negative control group; C‐), P. grandifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin in addition to simvastatin. A basal group of rats not exposed to these risk factors was also assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, ALT, and AST levels. Liver was assessed for lipid and oxidative markers, and liver histopathology was examined. P. grandifolia showed no signs of toxicity. It demonstrated anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibiting phagocytosis and macrophage spreading. The MAFLD model induced liver abnormalities, including increased AST, ALT, disrupted lipid profile, oxidative stress, and significant hepatic damage. However, P. grandifolia effectively reversed these changes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. These findings emphasize the significance of P. grandifolia in mitigating hepatic consequences associated with various risk factors.
A Novel Coal Burst Criterion of Anchored Roadway Surrounding Rock under Dynamic Disturbance
Authors: Wang Zheng-yi , Li Peng-bo
Published: November 2023

Mining roadway is the main occurrence area of coal bursts in underground coal mining. A good understanding of the failure process of elastic zone and energy evolution inducing instability of support structure can offer useful insight into the coal burst mechanism. This study proposes a novel coal burst criterion of anchored roadway surrounding rock under dynamic disturbance through mechanical modeling. The coal burst hazard and its main controlling factors were studied based on case analysis, and then the application of novel criterion in coal burst prevention and control was clarified. Results show that the existence of residual energy Ur of elastic zone is a prerequisite for coal burst of the roadway. The roadway support with ultimate value Us of absorbed energy needs to resist and absorb the kinetic energy Uk released from a dynamic failure of elastic zone and the energy Up imposed by impact-induced convergence of surrounding rocks on a support system, and the novel coal burst criterion is proposed as Uk + Up > Us. Under the same support conditions, the roadway roof is more prone to dynamic failure. According to the influences of main controlling factors on coal burst hazard, the corresponding prevention and control measures can be taken from improvement for the anti-impact capability of support, pressure relief in surrounding rocks, reduction of dynamic-loading energy, and roadway restoration after coal burst.
Dam Breach Modeling and Downstream Flood Inundation Mapping Using HEC-RAS Model on the Proposed Gumara Dam, Ethiopia
Authors: Beza Manamno , Fikre Amdeselassie , Moshe Alene
Published: November 2023

This study was, therefore, taken up to dam breach modeling and downstream flood inundation mapping. To achieve this objective, the software ArcGIS Version 10.4 extension program of HEC-GeoRAS Version 10 tool was used for HEC-RAS model development, to generate modeling reach and floodplain cross-sectional geometric data and for downstream inundation mapping and HEC-RAS Version 6.3.1 tool was used for subject dam break simulation and unsteady flood routing at downstream regions. Von Thun and Gillette regression equation was selected to estimate the breach parameter and the result shows that breach bottom width is 113 m, side slope 0.5H : 1V and breach development time is 0.85 hr for overtopping and bottom width is 111 m, and side slope 0.5H : 1V and breach development time is 0.83 hr for pipping. During analysis of flood routing the peak discharge at the dam site is 19,753.68 m3/s occurred at 4 hr for overtopping and 25,128.1 m3/s at time to peak 4 hr for pipping.
Supplementary Table S6 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

AGED analysis in all cell clusters.
Supplementary Table S5 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

IPA canonical pathways in smoker basal-d cluster.
Supplementary Figure S9 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Cell cycle assessment across cell types in the cigarette smoking lung atlas.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Endothelial cell analysis of smoker and never-smoker lungs.
Supplementary Figure S12 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

AGED analysis for cellular senescence.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Establishment of the integrated lung scRNA-seq atlas with cigarette smoking status.
FIGURE 5 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Module analysis of cancer-related pathways in all cell types between smokers and never-smokers. A, A heat map of module analysis between smokers and never-smokers across the cell types. The median module score was calculated for each cell type. The senescence, ROS, pyroptosis, mitophagy, IFN signaling, heme metabolism, ferroptosis, EMT circadian clock, and autophagy modules are shown in the heat map. B, Violin plots for analysis of selected modules: EMT, IFN signaling, and heme metabolism. Module analysis for selected cell types is shown. “n” represents the cell number in each cluster. Welch t test, P < 0.001.
FIGURE 3 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

VARIED analysis for cellular variations by smoking status. A, Schematic of VARIED analysis for quantifying the alterations in gene expressional diversity between smokers and never-smokers. In each single cell from scRNA-seq, the closeness centrality was calculated in the cell types between smokers and never-smokers. A part of the figure was created with BioRender.com. B, Plot of absolute values of difference in centrality in each cell type cluster. Blue: epithelia, purple: immune cells, red: endothelia, and green: fibroblasts. C, Representative ridge plots for the closeness centrality between smokers and never-smokers. Welch t test. D, Expression profiles of activation marker gene in the basophil clusters. Box plots of JUND, FOSB, IGHA1, IGHG1, IGHG3, FCGR3A, S100A8, and TPSB2 between smokers and never-smokers in the basophil cluster. Welch t test.
Data from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have been broadly utilized to reveal molecular mechanisms of respiratory pathology and physiology at single-cell resolution. Here, we established single-cell meta-analysis (scMeta-analysis) by integrating data from eight public datasets, including 104 lung scRNA-seq samples with clinicopathologic information and designated a cigarette-smoking lung atlas. The atlas revealed early carcinogenesis events and defined the alterations of single-cell transcriptomics, cell population, and fundamental properties of biological pathways induced by smoking. In addition, we developed two novel scMeta-analysis methods: VARIED (Visualized Algorithms of Relationships In Expressional Diversity) and AGED (Aging-related Gene Expressional Differences). VARIED analysis revealed expressional diversity associated with smoking carcinogenesis. AGED analysis revealed differences in gene expression related to both aging and smoking status. The scMeta-analysis paves the way to utilize publicly-available scRNA-seq data and provide new insights into the effects of smoking and into cellular diversity in human lungs, at single-cell resolution.
Significance:
The atlas revealed early carcinogenesis events and defined the alterations of single-cell transcriptomics, cell population, and fundamental properties of biological pathways induced by smoking.
Effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30C in Prevention of Dengue Fever and Acute Febrile Illness during 2017 Dengue Outbreak in Urban Slums of Delhi: A Prospective, Open-Label, Community-Based, Parallel Cohort Study
Authors: Nayak Debadatta , Bhalla Ruchika , Bhalerao Rupali , Kaur Lovepreet , Gupta Ankit , Dev Vanee , Singh Smita , Khurana Anil , Manchanda Raj Kumar
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum (EP) 30C on the incidence of dengue fever and acute febrile illness (AFI) during the 2017 dengue outbreak. Methods: We conducted a prospective, open-label, community-based parallel cohort study involving apparently healthy individuals residing in 06 urban slums (JJ colony) of Delhi. The participants were enrolled in two cohorts – the medicine cohort (MC) and the control cohort (CC). Participants in MC were given weekly one dose of EP 30C for 10 weeks along with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material regarding dengue. Participants in the CC were provided with the IEC material only. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of dengue fever as per case definitions notified in the national guidelines for clinical management of dengue fever by the Government of India during the 10 weeks follow-up period. The secondary outcome measures were the incidence of AFI and the hospitalization of confirmed dengue cases. Results: The analysis included 40,769 participants residing in 06 slum clusters of Delhi out of which 28,321 participants were in MC and 12,448 participants were in CC. The incidence of laboratory-confirmed dengue in the MC was 2.57 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–3.22) in comparison with 7.55 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 6.12–9.21) in the CC. The incidence of AFI in the MC was 19.66 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 18.07–21.36) in comparison with 40.96 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 37.48–44.67) in the CC. The overall protective effect of EP against laboratory-confirmed dengue was 65.77% (95% CI, 53.37–74.87; p = 0.0001) and against AFI was 52.58% (95% CI, 46.37–58.07; p = 0.0001). Hospitalization reported in the MC was nil as against 4.35% in the CC. No dengue-related case fatalities were reported from either cohort. None of the participants from the MC reported any adverse events owing to the prophylactic intervention. Conclusion: The study concludes that EP 30C was able to prevent dengue significantly. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.
Eczema-Like Psoriasiform Dermatitis due to Hair Straighteners: Trichoscopic Findings and Clinical Experience in Its Management
Authors: Armendariz-Barragan Yonatan , Jimenez-Zaragoza Daniel , Sánchez-Dueñas Luis Enrique
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Eczema-like psoriasiform dermatitis has been described as a complication after Brazilian keratin treatment, with the presence of perifollicular scale resembling the outer skin of an onion bulb reported as a characteristic trichoscopic feature. To date, no treatment for this condition has been communicated. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with eczema-like psoriasiform dermatitis. Clinical and trichoscopic images were analyzed, and the improvement in the scale and the vascular component of patients treated with oral isotretinoin was described. Results: A total of 132 patients were included. The most frequent trichoscopic findings were perifollicular scale, peripilar desquamation, and interfollicular scale. Most of the 7 patients treated with oral isotretinoin showed a partial improvement in the scale and the vascular component. Conclusion: The peripilar scale resembling the outer skin of an onion bulb could be used as a marker for this disease. We observed partial response to oral isotretinoin, probably due to the chronic character of this condition secondary to continuous release of formaldehyde, suboptimal doses, or a short treatment time.
The Effect of Astragalus on Humoral and Cellular Immune Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies
Authors: Zhang Xueling , Qu Xixi , Zou Yu
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Astragalus is used in traditional Chinese medicine for immune system disorders. Its effect on immune system function is evaluated in multiple studies. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of Astragalus on humoral and cellular immune response in human studies. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to April 2023. Studies that assessed the impact of Astragalus on humoral and cellular immune markers were included. The data were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on outcome measures. Results: A total of 19 studies, including 1,094 human participants, were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis of humoral immune markers revealed a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, following Astragalus intervention (SMD −2.8765, 95% CI: −3.2385 to −2.5145, p < 0.0001). In the cellular immunity domain, Astragalus was found to significantly increase CD3 levels and the CD4/CD8 ratio (SMD 2.4629, 95% CI: 1.9598; 2.9661). Subgroup analyses based on outcome measures supported these findings. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed among the included studies. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence supporting the immunomodulatory effects of Astragalus on humoral and cellular response. Astragalus demonstrated a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and an enhancement of cellular immune markers, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for immune-related disorders.
Beneficial Effects of RESMENA Diet on Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Reproductive Profile in Adolescents with Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Bozbulut Rukiye , Döğer Esra , Çamurdan Mahmut Orhun , Bideci Aysun
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The optimal dietary strategy to improve the metabolic and reproductive endocrine profile in adolescents with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is undefined. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) diet versus a control diet based on American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents with PCOS. Methods: A total of 40 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS between the ages of 13–18 years were randomized to either a RESMENA or control diet for 6 months. Dietary status, anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, and reproductive endocrine hormones were compared between the 2 groups before and after the intervention. Results: Both diet groups showed significant decreases in anthropometric parameters, whereas the RESMENA diet provided a greater decrease in all these parameters except neck circumference and fat percentage (p <0.05). At the end of the study, fasting insulin, ALT, and total cholesterol levels decreased in both control and RESMENA groups; HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP levels decreased; and QUICKI score increased in the RESMENA group (p <0.05). There was no statistical difference in the androgen levels of the control group compared to the baseline. In the RESMENA group, there were a significant decrease in total testosterone, free testosterone, 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio, and free androgen index and a significant increase in SHBG levels (p <0.05). Conclusions: Both dietary patterns resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric measurements and body composition, but the RESMENA diet showed beneficial effects on insulin resistance parameters and androgen levels.
The Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Ustekinumab and Budesonide for Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Hishinuma Kasumi , Sugawara Yumi , Nochioka Kotaro , Shimoyama Yusuke , Naito Takeo , Shiga Hisashi , Kakuta Yoichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Tsuji Ichiro , Masamune Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Limited data exist on the efficacy of combination therapy with ustekinumab and budesonide in patients with Crohn’s disease. Our objective was to compare the clinical outcomes of ustekinumab and budesonide combination therapy with those of ustekinumab monotherapy. Methods: In this phase 2 single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we assigned 19 patients with Crohn’s disease with a Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) equal to or greater than 220 and less than 450 in a 1:1 ratio to receive ustekinumab and budesonide or ustekinumab for 32 weeks. The primary endpoint was the clinical remission rate at 8 weeks. The secondary endpoints were the clinical remission rate at 32 weeks and mucosal healing rates at 8 and 32 weeks. Results: Of 19 patients, the mean age was 37.8 years, and 42.1% were women (CDAI ≥220 and <450). There was no difference between combination therapy and ustekinumab monotherapy in terms of clinical remission rates (50.0% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.39 at 8 weeks and 37.5% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.41) and mucosal healing rates (75.0% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.40 and 37.5% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.34 at 8 and 32 weeks, respectively). The most common adverse event was an exacerbation of Crohn’s. There were no differences in safety profiles between the two groups. Conclusions: Our study showed no difference between ustekinumab monotherapy and ustekinumab and budesonide combination therapy in terms of the induction and maintenance of remission (trial registration number: jRCTs021200013).
Roxadustat for Patients with Posttransplant Anemia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tang Xiaoxiao , Liu Fei , Li Qiuyu , Mao Jianhua
Published: November 2023

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are novel oral agents used for renal anemia treatment. Roxadustat, a first-in-class HIF-PHI used for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients, has been approved in China, Japan, South Korea, Chile, and Europe. Roxadustat is involved in HIF degradation, which can stimulate endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production and improve iron utilization. Besides, roxadustat can promote dietary iron uptake and transport. In comparison with traditional erythropoiesis-stimulating agent treatment, it might reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality as it causes only a slight increase in the plasma EPO level. Phase II and III clinical trial reports have shown that roxadustat is effective for treating chronic kidney disease patients. The role of roxadustat in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) needs to be examined as patients with chronic kidney disease are different from those receiving renal transplants. Summary: Clinical trials have demonstrated that roxadustat effectively increases and maintains hemoglobin levels in patients with dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease by stimulating endogenous EPO production and optimizing iron utilization. Roxadustat has recently been used effectively to treat patients with EPO-resistant anemia. It has also been used for treating patients with posttransplant anemia (PTA), which is a prognostic factor for mortality in KTRs with an iron deficiency and impaired glomerular filtration rate. Here, we examined the findings of four studies in a narrative review and discussed our perspectives regarding this field of study. Key Messages: Roxadustat significantly improves hemoglobin levels without affecting renal function in KTRs with PTA. It also enhances iron utilization by decreasing ferritin and hepcidin levels and increasing total iron binding capacity, transferrin, and serum iron levels. Roxadustat ameliorates anemia and inflammation, and might have reno-protective effects in KTRs.
Functional Analysis of a Novel Complement C5a Receptor 1-Blocking Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Cyranka Leon , Mariegaard Ida , Skjødt Mikkel-Ole , Bayarri-Olmos Rafael , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Garred Peter , Rosbjerg Anne
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The complement system anaphylatoxin C5a is a critical player in inflammation. By binding to complement C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1/CD88), C5a regulates many cellular functions, mainly as a potent pro-inflammatory inducer. We describe the generation and selection of a potent antagonistic C5aR1 mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb). Methods: Initial C5aR1 hybridoma clone selection was performed with a cell-binding study in human whole blood. In-house C5aR1 mAb assessment for C5aR1 inhibition was done via the iLite® C5a assay. C5aR1 mAb specificity was investigated on C5aR1his- and C5aR2his-expressing Flp-In™-CHO cells. Physiological C5aR1 inhibition was assessed via a C5a-driven calcium flux assay and stimulation assay based on isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and a whole blood model stimulated with Escherichia coli. Results: The supernatant of hybridoma clones targeting the N-terminal section of C5aR1 displayed efficient binding to C5aR1 in whole blood, which was confirmed for purified mAbs. The C5aR1 mAb 18-41-6 was selected following the assay of in-house C5aR1 mAbs via the iLite® C5a assay. The mAb 18-41-6 was specific for C5aR1. Full-size and/or F(ab’)2 preparations of mAb 18-41-6 were found to efficiently abrogate C5a-induced calcium flux in neutrophils and to significantly reduce the upregulation of the activation markers CD11b (neutrophils, monocytes) and CD66b (neutrophils). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that mAb 18-41-6 is a valuable tool for investigating the C5a-C5aR1 axis and a potential therapeutic candidate for inflammatory disease treatment.
Validation and Development of Voice Handicap Index-Throat for Koreans
Authors: Lee YeonWoo , Lim DongWon , Kim JaeWon , Kim GeunHyo
Published: November 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to develop, validate, and analyze the reliability of the Korean version of the Voice Handicap Index-Throat (VHI-Tk). Methods: This prospective study included 103 patients in the case group with voice problems (18 with functional dysphonia, 44 with mass in the larynx, 18 with neurological voice disorder, 23 with throat problems) and 27 in the control group without voice problems. All participants completed these questionnaires at their initial visit: the Korean version of the Voice Handicap Index (K-VHI), VHI-Tk, and the Korean version of the Voice Symptom Scale (K-VoiSS). Case group patients in the case group recompleted the VHI-Tk questionnaire to assess test-retest reliability. Finally, a one-way analysis of variance was implemented to assess differences in VHI-Tk scores among the four diagnosis types in the case group. Results: The VHI-Tk scores in the case group were significantly higher than in the control group. The VHI-Tk was significantly correlated with the subscales of K-VHI and K-VoiSS. The VHI-Tk has significant test-retest reliability, and its internal consistency is good to excellent (Cronbach’s alpha correlation coefficient range: 0.895–0.901). There was significant difference in the mean VHI-Tk scores according to the four diagnosis types (throat problems group > neurological voice disorder group). Conclusion: We validated the VHI-T questionnaire to measure self-perceived voice and throat problems among Koreans. A large sample size and various diagnosis types are required in future studies to fully validate the VHI-T for use in multiple cultures.
Ageing Affects Thymopoiesis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Development in a Strain-Dependent Manner
Authors: Stojić-Vukanić Zorica , Petrušić Marija , Pilipović Ivan , Leposavić Gordana
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Considering significance of mechanisms of central tolerance for development of autoimmune diseases, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and suppressive influence of circulating proinflammatory cytokines and alterations in brain-thymus communication, characteristic for the central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune diseases, on thymopoiesis, the study interogated putative strain-based thymus-related specificities relevant for the opposite effects of ageing on susceptibility of Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) rats to EAE. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative changes in thymopoiesis including underlying mechanisms were examined using flow cytometry and RT-qPCR quantification of mRNAs for molecules relevant for integrity of stroma and T-cell development, respectively. Results: With ageing, differently from DA rats, in AO rats the surface density of CD90, a negative regulator of selection threshold, on thymocytes undergoing lineage commitment was upregulated (consistent with TGF-β expression downregulation), whereas the generation of natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) was impaired reflecting differences in thymic expression of cytokines supporting their development. Additionally, specifically in old AO rats, in whom EAE development depends on IL-17-producing CD8+ T cells, their thymic differentiation was augmented, reflecting augmented thymic IL-4 expression. In turn, differently from old DA rats developing self-limiting EAE, in age-matched AO rats developing EAE of prolonged duration, EAE development led to impaired generation of nTregs and accumulation of proinflammatory, cytotoxic CD28–CD4+ T cells in the periphery. Discussion: The study indicates that strain differences in age-related changes in the efficacy of central tolerance, in addition to enhanced thymic generation of CD8+ T cells prone to differentiate into IL-17-producing cells, could partly explain the opposite effect of ageing on DA and AO rat susceptibility to EAE induction. Additionally, it suggested that EAE development leading to a less efficient thymic output of CD4+ cells and nTregs in old AO rats than their DA counterparts could contribute to prolonged EAE duration in AO compared with DA rats. Conclusion: The study warns to caution when designing therapeutic interventions to enhance thymic activity in genetically diverse populations, e.g., humans, and interpreting their outcomes. Furthermore, it indicates that CNS autoimmune pathology may additionally worsen thymic involution and age-related immune changes.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Non–Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Across Varying Body Mass Index
Authors: Fritz Hansson Astrid , Jensevik Eriksson Karin , Christersson Christina , Held Claes , Batra Gorav
Published: November 2023

Background

There are conflicting data on outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with non–vitamin K oral anticoagulants across varying body mass index (BMI). We investigated cardiovascular and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation with varying BMI.

Methods and Results

Observational cohort study from the Swedish oral anticoagulation registry between August 2, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Primary outcomes were mortality, ischemic stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding. Baseline BMI (kg/m
2
) was analyzed continuously and categorized: underweight (<18.5 kg/m
2
), normal weight (18.5 to <25 kg/m
2
), preobesity (25 to <30 kg/m
2
), and obesity class I to III (30 to <35, 35 to <40, and ≥40 kg/m
2
). Adjusted Cox models and nonlinear relationships of BMI were modeled using restricted cubic splines. Non–vitamin K oral anticoagulant–treated patients with atrial fibrillation were included (n=26 047). At baseline, 602 (2.3%) were underweight, 9101 (34.9%) were normal weight, 9970 (38.3%) were preobese, 4280 (16.4%) were obese class I, 1486 (5.7%) were obese class II, and 608 (2.3%) were obese class III. Underweight and obesity class III were in adjusted continuous analysis associated with increased mortality and major bleeding, with lowest risk observed among preobese patients with BMI 28.2 and 26.2 kg/m
2
, respectively. In adjusted categorical analysis, underweight was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.77 [95% CI, 1.57–1.99]) and nonsignificant higher risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.95–1.58]). Similarly, obesity class III was associated with increased mortality (HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.40–1.99]) and major bleeding (HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.29–2.17]). No significant association was observed between higher BMI and ischemic stroke/systemic embolism.

Conclusions

In non–vitamin K oral anticoagulant–treated patients with atrial fibrillation, there appears to be a U‐shaped relationship between BMI and mortality and major bleeding.
Tracing Women’s Lives
Authors: Candlin Kit
Published: November 2023

This article explores the levels of choice and constraint that structured women’s lives during the Fedon Rebellion, a highly destructive conflict which broke out in the British-held Caribbean colony of Grenada in 1795. The article explores the continuities and contrasts between the lives of free and enslaved women in the colony during the eighteen-month struggle and the differences between those who were revolutionary and those women more conservative. The article also underscores more broadly the power dynamics between those who were mixed race and free and those formally from enslaved community. The variety of archival sources that were created during the rebellion allow us to examine the role of women in this important colony at this critical time with more detail than might be expected. Even though the record was created largely by and for white men in a deeply divided colony, women appear surprisingly often and in all manner of guises. Considering this contested terrain this article highlights the options exercised by free black, mixed race and enslaved women in Grenada at the end of the eighteenth century. I argue that women exercised these options in ways that were both distinctive and particular to the colony at this time.
‘Made in Taiwan’: Global Storytelling, Childhood Memories, and Undergraduate Research in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Werth Silke , Frühstück Sabine
Published: November 2023

‘Made in Taiwan’ is a platform and archive of life-course interviews of people who grew up in Taiwan, designed to teach about Taiwan, one childhood memory at a time. We hope that it will spark conversations about childhood memories around the world and inspire similar projects elsewhere that bring together university instructors, undergraduate students, and local communities in an effort to learn from one another, experience knowledge production as a collective project, encounter the university as an active player in and a resource for the community, and empower undergraduate students to conduct their own investigations into other people’s lives.
Contrastive Alveolar/Retroflex Phonemes in Singapore Mandarin Bilinguals: Comprehension Rates for Articulations in Different Accents, and Acoustic Analysis of Productions
Authors: Goh Hannah L. , Woon Fei Ting , Moisik Scott R. , Styles Suzy J.
Published: November 2023

The standard Beijing variety of Mandarin has a clear alveolar–retroflex contrast for phonemes featuring voiceless sibilant frication (i.e., /s/, /ʂ/, /ʈs/, /ʈʂ/, /ʈsʰ/, /ʈʂʰ/). However, some studies show that varieties in the ‘outer circle’, such in Taiwan, have a reduced contrast for these speech sounds via a process known as ‘deretroflexion’. The variety of Mandarin spoken in Singapore is also considered as ‘outer circle’, as it exhibits influences from Min Nan varieties. We investigated how bilinguals of Singapore Mandarin and English perceive and produce speech tokens in minimal pairs differing only in the alveolar/retroflex place of articulation. In all, 50 participants took part in two tasks. In Task 1, participants performed a lexical identification task for minimal pairs differing only the alveolar/retroflex place of articulation, as spoken by native speakers of two varieties: Beijing Mandarin and Singapore Mandarin. No difference in comprehension of the words was observed between the two varieties indicating that both varieties contain sufficient acoustic information for discrimination. In Task 2, participants read aloud from the list of minimal pairs while their voices were recorded. Acoustic analysis revealed that the phonemes do indeed differ acoustically in terms of center of gravity of the frication and in an alternative measure: long-term averaged spectra. The magnitude of this difference appears to be smaller than previously reported differences for the Beijing variety. These findings show that although some deretroflexion is evident in the speech of bilinguals of the Singaporean variety of Mandarin, it does not translate to ambiguity in the speech signal.
Relationships Between Task Constraints, Visual Constraints, Joint Coordination and Football-Specific Performance in Talented Youth Athletes: An Ecological Dynamics Approach
Authors: Heuvelmans Pieter , Di Paolo Stefano , Benjaminse Anne , Bragonzoni Laura , Gokeler Alli
Published: November 2023

Individual performance in team sports is a multifactorial reflection of how well a player can cope and accomplish tasks in varied playing situations. Thus, performance analysis should not only focus on outcomes, but also on underlying mechanisms of those outcomes. We adopted principles of the ecological dynamics approach (EDA) to investigate the effect of introducing constraints on players’ joint coordination responses for a football-specific performance drill outcome. Seventeen talented youth football (soccer) players performed a football-specific drill under different conditions: basic constraints, additional defender dummies, stroboscopic glasses, and a combination of the latter two constraints. We recorded these players’ execution time, passing accuracy, and lower extremity joint kinematics. We calculated joint coordination for hip-knee, knee-ankle, and trunk-hip couplings. The added constraints negatively affected execution time and passing accuracy, and caused changes in joint coordination. Furthermore, we identified a relationship between execution time and joint coordination. This study serves as an example how the EDA can be adopted to investigate mechanisms that underlie individual performance in team sports.
Experienced Social Support and Cultural Humility for Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Workers During COVID-19
Authors: Ferguson Bethany , Wangugi Anne , Craig Robert , Eriksson Cynthia
Published: November 2023

Employees of faith-based international organizations have been shown to be uniquely at risk for mental health symptoms, including depression and posttraumatic stress, while social support has been demonstrated to be an important protective factor. Cultural humility, which is understood as an openness to appreciate and learn from others, has also been shown to contribute to wellbeing for cross-cultural employees. Eighty-eight cross-cultural faith-based workers completed the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, Social Provisions Scale, and Cultural Humility Scale as a part of a larger needs assessment conducted in late 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized that social support would relate inversely to mental health symptoms, and that cultural humility would moderate the relationship between support and symptoms. Path analysis confirmed this hypothesis. When participants reported moderate to high levels of cultural humility, there was a strengthened relationship between social support and lower mental health symptoms. Thus, cultural humility appears to activate the relationship between social support and reduced mental health symptoms. International organizations can contribute to employee resilience in traumatic contexts by promoting both cultural humility and social support.
Nationalism, Economic Liberalism, and Populism in the Bolsonaro Government
Authors: de Paula Luiz Fernando , Machado Pedro Lange , Cannone Helio
Published: November 2023

Given the neoliberal agenda implemented by Paulo Guedes’s Ministry of the Economy, the Bolsonaro government’s nationalist stance has prompted academic debates over its rationales. Once the populist and conservative foundations of that nationalism are understood, however, there is no contradiction between it and Bolsonaro’s economic policy.

La agenda neoliberal implementada por el Ministerio de Economía de Paulo Guedes aparentemente cuestiona la postura nacionalista del gobierno de Bolsonaro y ha provocado debates académicos en torno a sus razones fundamentales. Sin embargo, una vez que se entienden las razones populistas y el conservatismo detrás de dicho nacionalismo, no hay contradicción entre estas y la política económica de Bolsonaro.
Financial Strain, Covid-19 Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation Among Wage Workers During the Pandemic Crisis 2019
Authors: Khan Shagufta Tariq , Bhat Mohd Abass , Saeed Wizra
Published: November 2023

The global lockdowns owing to the Covid-19 pandemic have sparked attention in the relationship between financial strain, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among wage workers in India, the worst hit. This study was inspired by the lack of data on wage labourers’ financial strain, Covid-19 anxiety and suicidal ideation during the pandemic. This study is supported by the General Strain Theory, which states that economic or financial stress causes dissatisfaction, sadness and anxiety, which can lead to suicide ideation ( Agnew, 1992 ). Wage labourers from Jammu and Kashmir (India) in the informal sector were studied. However, the sample frame was unavailable. Thus, the researchers used convenience sampling to choose respondents from all Kashmir valley districts. Questionnaire item count determined sample size. According to Hair et al. (1998) , the sample size should be 10 times the questionnaire items. A sample of 395 wage workers was selected. Path analysis showed that financial strain causes suicidal ideation and anxiety (Covid-19), while wage workers’ worry leads to suicidal ideation. Financial stress and suicidal ideation are partially mediated by anxiety (Covid-19). These findings imply wage workers take specific steps to improve themselves and prepare for future crises like Covid-19. The survey found wage employees were hardest harmed by the pandemic. This experience shows that government, non-government organizations and religious communities are necessary and supportive. The government should provide food security and health insurance to wage earners in emergencies. For schemes, compensation and other benefits, the government should help workers to register with labour and employment organizations.

Future studies would seek to identify other pandemic-related factors that drive wage workers to suicide. In a crisis, revealing additional factors might help create wage-earning programmes. Further investigations in diverse situations are needed to derive context-specific findings to validate this study.
A knowledge retention strategy for professional nurses in South Africa
Authors: Mamabolo Josias Kgwadi , Fombad MC
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the existing knowledge retention strategies for professional nurses at Philadelphia hospital, in South Africa, located in one of the previously disadvantaged district municipalities in the country and it develops a strategy for retaining nurses. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a case-study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to solicit in-depth understanding of the current knowledge retention practices. Out of the 90 professional nurses at Philadelphia hospital, 20 were purposively interviewed to a point of saturation. Data was analysed thematically. Findings: A knowledge retention strategy was developed. It calls for a knowledge retention policy; awareness training programmes; reward systems for effectively encouraging professional nurses to participate in knowledge retention practices; programmes for recovering lost knowledge and conducting knowledge audits. The strategy contributes to the existing body of knowledge-on-knowledge retention in the health care sector. The article is part of the findings from the authors master's dissertation. Conclusion: The loss of critical nursing knowledge remains a challenge in South Africa and to the rest of the globe, as highly skilled and experienced nurses migrate from place to place in search of greener pastures, hence this has affected patient care. Although the country has engaged in several efforts such as educating and training nurses, its knowledge retention strategies have not been prioritised in the country. Limitations: This paper focuses on knowledge retention practices in the nursing profession, which is only one part of the health sector in the former disadvantaged province. It is a qualitative study performed in one out of the nine provinces in South Africa. There is a dire need for a quantitative study, which will explore knowledge retention amongst nurses in the country and the health sector as a whole
Factors of significance for the ability of fighter pilots to visually indicate the magnitude of roll tilt during simulated turns in a centrifuge
Authors: Brink Andreas , Keramidas Michail E. , Tribukait Arne , Eiken Ola
Published: November 2023

During coordinated flight and centrifugation, pilots show interindividual variability in perceived roll tilt. The study explored how this variability is related to perceptual and cognitive functions. Twelve pilots underwent three 6-min centrifugations on two occasions (G levels: 1.1G, 1.8G, and 2.5G; gondola tilts: 25°, 56°, and 66°). The subjective visual horizontal (SVH) was measured with an adjustable luminous line and the pilots gave estimates of experienced G level. Afterward, they were interrogated regarding the relationship between G level and roll tilt and adjusted the line to numerically mentioned angles. Generally, the roll tilt during centrifugation was underestimated, and there was a large interindividual variability. Both knowledge on the relationship between G level and bank angle, and ability to adjust the line according to given angles contributed to the prediction of SVH in a multiple regression model. However, in most cases, SVH was substantial smaller than predictions based on specific abilities.