bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Schoretsanitis Georgios , Gastaldon Chiara , Ochsenbein‐Koelble Nicole , Olbrich Sebastian , Barbui Corrado , Seifritz Erich
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the postpartum depression (PPD) risk in women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and moderators.

Methods

We identified observational studies of PPD rates in women with versus without PPH in Embase/Medline/PsychInfo/Cinhail in 09/2022. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle‐Ottawa‐Scale. Our primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]) of PPD in women with versus without PPH. Meta‐regression analyses included the effects of age, body mass index, marital status, education, history of depression/anxiety, preeclampsia, antenatal anemia and C‐section; subgroup analyses were based on PPH and PPD assessment methods, samples with versus without history of depression/anxiety, from low‐/middle‐ versus high‐income countries. We performed sensitivity analyses after excluding poor‐quality studies, cross‐sectional studies and sequentially each study.

Results

One, five and three studies were rated as good‐, fair‐ and poor‐quality respectively. In nine studies (k = 10 cohorts, n = 934,432), women with PPH were at increased PPD risk compared to women without PPH (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.44, p < 0.001), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%). Higher PPH‐related PPD ORs were estimated in samples with versus without history of depression/anxiety or antidepressant exposure (OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.18 to 1.60, k = 6, n = 55,212, versus 1.06, 95%CI = 1.04 to 1.09, k = 3, n = 879,220, p < 0.001) and in cohorts from low‐/middle‐ versus high‐income countries (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.37 to 1.61, k = 4, n = 9197, versus 1.13, 95%CI = 1.04 to 1.23, k = 6, n = 925,235, p < 0.001). After excluding low‐quality studies the PPD OR dropped (1.14, 95%CI = 1.02 to 1.29, k = 6, n = 929,671, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Women with PPH had increased PPD risk amplified by history of depression/anxiety, whereas more data from low‐/middle‐income countries are required.
Improved stage and survival for patients in the Aotearoa New Zealand colorectal cancer screening program 2012–2019
Authors: Al Hinai Khalid , Fischer Jesse , Al Mamari Abdullah , Hulme‐Moir Mike
Published: June 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening was introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand at Waitematā District Health Board (WDHB) in late 2011. This study reviewed patterns of disease, treatment received, and survival of patients with national bowel screening program (NBSP)‐detected CRC versus non‐NBSP patients at WDHB 2012–2019.

Methods

Data collected retrospectively for all patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum at WDHB 2012–2019. Patient records were manually reviewed. Chi‐square, Fisher's exact test and the Mann Whitney U‐test used as appropriate. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling for survival analysis.

Results

1667 patients included (360 NBSP and 1307 non‐NBSP). 863 (51.8%) were male. Median age at diagnosis 73 years (range 21–100); NBSP patients were younger (median 68 vs. 76 years, P < 0.001). NBSP patients had significantly lower T, N, M and overall TNM stage than non‐BSP patients. Median survival estimate on Kaplan–Meier analysis was 94 months for all patients. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) predictors of mortality on multi‐variate regression analysis included increasing overall TNM stage compared with stage I (stage II HR 1.63 (95% CI 1.14–2.34), stage III HR 2.86 (95% CI 2.03–4.03), stage IV HR 7.73 (95% CI 5.59–10.68)), diagnosis within NBSP (HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.37–0.71)), increasing age in years (HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.03)), urgent/emergency surgery (HR 1.66 (95% CI 1.36–2.01)) and formal resection of primary tumour (HR 0.31 (95% CI 0.25–0.38)).

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed within the Aotearoa New Zealand NBSP were found to be younger and have earlier stage CRC. Diagnosis within the NBSP is an independent predictor of survival for patients with CRC.
Neonatal outcomes associated with time from a high fetal blood lactate concentration to operative delivery
Authors: Berge Magnus B. , Kessler Jørg , Yli Branka M. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Gunnes Nina , Jacobsen Anne Flem
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Adjunctive technologies to cardiotocography intend to increase the specificity of the diagnosis of fetal hypoxia. If correctly diagnosed, time to delivery could affect neonatal outcome. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of time from when fetal distress is indicated by a high fetal blood sample (FBS) lactate concentration to operative delivery on the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective observational study. Deliveries with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at 36+0weeks of gestation or later were included. Adverse neonatal outcomes, related to decision‐to‐delivery interval (DDI), were investigated in operative deliveries indicated by an FBS lactate concentration of at least 4.8 mmol/L. We applied logistic regression to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of various adverse neonatal outcomes, with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI), for a DDI exceeding 20 minutes, compared with a DDI of 20 minutes or less. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04779294.

Results

The main analysis included 228 women with an operative delivery indicated by an FBS lactate concentration of 4.8 mmol/L or greater. The risk of all adverse neonatal outcomes was significantly increased for both DDI groups compared with the reference group (deliveries with an FBS lactate below 4.2 mmol/L within 60 minutes before delivery). In operative deliveries indicated by an FBS lactate concentration of 4.8 mmol/L or more, there was a significantly increased risk of a 5‐minute Apgar score less than 7 if the DDI exceeded 20 minutes, compared with a DDI of 20 minutes or less (aOR 8.1, 95% CI 1.1–60.9). We found no statistically significant effect on other short‐term outcomes for deliveries with DDI longer than 20 minutes, compared with those with DDI of 20 minutes or less (pH ≤7.10: aOR 2.0, 95% CI 0.5–8.4; transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit: aOR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4–3.5).

Conclusions

After a high FBS lactate measurement, the increased risk of adverse neonatal outcome is further augmented if the DDI exceeds 20 minutes. These findings give support to current Norwegian guidelines for intervention in cases of fetal distress.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Czech Republic—Broader sociodemographic causes, connections and implications
Authors: Krámská Lenka , Slabá Šárka , Hrešková Lucia , Kajdy Anna , Sys Dorota , Poon Liona , Calda Pavel
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Our study (part of multicentric “MindCOVID”) investigates risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Czech Republic.

Material and methods

The study used a prospective cross‐sectional design. Data was collected using an online self‐administered questionnaire. Standardized scales, general anxiety disorder (GAD)‐7 and patient health questionnaire (PHQ)‐9 were administered online. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic, medical and psychological variables.

Results

The Czech sample included 1830 pregnant women. An increase of depressive and anxiety symptoms measured by PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 in pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with unfavorable financial situation, low social and family support, psychological and medical problems before and during pregnancy and infertility treatment. Fear of being infected and adverse effect of COVID‐19, feeling of burden related to restrictions during delivery and organization of delivery and feeling of burden related to finances were associated with worse anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Social and emotional support and lack of financial worries are protective factors against mood disorders in pregnant women in relation to COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, adequate information about organization of delivery and additional support from healthcare professionals during the delivery are needed. Our findings can be used for preventive interventions, given that repeated pandemics in the future are anticipated.
Gains and losses for humans and the environment: Effects of social identity and message prospect framing on pro‐environmental behaviors
Authors: Dedman Riley , Lee Eunro
Published: June 2023

Addressing the global climate emergency and an urgent need for psychological research, the present study drew on two major psychological perspectives: social identity theory's notion of a socially constructed sense of self, and prospect theory's cognitive heuristics on the asymmetric effects of gain and loss framed messaging. A 2 (Human vs. Environmental Identity) × 2 (Gain vs. Loss framing) factorial experiment (N = 160) sought causal evidence for superordinate identities, gain versus loss framed messaging, and their interactions upon motivations for pro‐environmental behavior. Results suggested interaction effects between social identity and message frames on activism, support for environmental policy, and enactment measures. Challenging prospect theory's original findings, gain framed messages were dominant in enhancing private sustainable behaviors, while loss frames were dominant in enhancing political behaviors. Whereas income was a significant demographic predictor, the overall social psychological findings inform campaign strategies for pro‐environmental behavior.
First report of Pseudococcus viburni (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Colombia: Morphometric and molecular analysis, with notes on morphological variation in specimens from Brazil and Colombia
Authors: Caballero Alejandro , Pacheco da Silva Vitor Cezar , Kaydan Mehmet Bora , Rueda‐Ramirez Diana , Kondo Takumasa , Ramos‐Portilla Andrea Amalia , Duarte Gómez William
Published: June 2023

The obscure mealybug Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is recorded for the first time from Colombia based on specimens collected on Opuntia cylindrica (Lam.) DC., Mammillaria sp. (Cactaceae), Escallonia paniculata (Ruiz & Pav.), Roem. & Schult. (Escalloniaceae), Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), Citrus sp. (Rutaceae), Cestrum nocturnum L. and Solanum betaceum Cavanilles (Solanaceae). Multiple methods were used to identify P. viburni because it belongs to the “Pseudococcus maritimus” complex, a group composed of more than 60 species with high variation in morphological characteristics. The specimens were identified based on the morphology and morphometric analysis of third‐instar nymphs and adult females. This morphological identification was corroborated by data on geographical distribution, plant hosts and a molecular identification using two different loci, CO1 (mtDNA) and the 28S ribosomal gene (nuclear genome). An updated list of species of Pseudococcus Westwood recorded from Colombia and information on morphological variation found in the studied specimens from Brazil and Colombia are provided.
Molecular docking‐based virtual screening and dynamics simulation study of novel and potential SIRT7 inhibitors
Authors: Guo Xinli , Chen Rui , Cao Liping
Published: June 2023

In cancer cells, short for sirtuin (SIRT7) stabilizes the transformed state via its nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylase activity. Epigenetic factor SIRT7 plays important roles in cancer biology, reversing cancer phenotypes and suppressing tumor growth when inactive. In the present study, we got the SIRT7 protein structure from Alpha Fold2 Database and performed structure‐based virtual screening to develop specific SIRT7 inhibitors using the SIRT7 inhibitor 97,491 interaction mechanism. As candidates for specific SIRT7 inhibitors, compounds with high affinities to SIRT7 were chosen. ZINC000001910616 and ZINC000014708529, two of our leading compounds, showed strong interactions with SIRT7. Our MD simulation results also revealed that the 5‐hydroxy‐4H‐thioxen‐4‐one group and terminal carboxyl group were critical groups responsible for interaction of small molecules with SIRT7. In our study, we demonstrated that targeting SIRT7 may offer novel therapeutic options for cancer treatment. Compounds ZINC000001910616 and ZINC000014708529 can serve as chemical probes to investigate SIRT7 biological functions and provide starting points for the development of novel therapeutics against cancers.
Associations of formal childcare use with health and human capital development for adolescent mothers and their children in South Africa: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cluver Lucie , Jochim Janina , Mapukata Yolanda , Wittesaele Camille , Shenderovich Yulia , Mafuya Sandisiwe , Steventon Roberts Kathryn , Banougnin Bolade , Sherr Lorraine , Toska Elona
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study aims to investigate associations of formal childcare with maternal and child outcomes in a large sample of adolescent mothers.

Background

Forty percent of adolescent girls in Africa are mothers. Increasing evidence shows positive impacts of formal childcare use for adult women, but no known studies in the Global South examine associations for adolescent mothers and their children.

Methods

We interviewed 1046 adolescent mothers and completed developmental assessments with their children (n = 1139) in South Africa's Eastern Cape between 2017 and 2019. Questionnaires measured childcare use, maternal and child outcomes and socio‐demographic background variables. Using cross‐sectional data, associations between formal childcare use and outcomes were estimated in multivariate multi‐level analyses that accounted for individual‐level and family‐level clustering.

Results

Childcare use was associated with higher odds of being in education or employment (AOR: 4.01, 95% CIs: 2.59–6.21, p < .001), grade promotion (AOR: 2.08, 95% CIs: 1.42–3.05, p < .001) and positive future ideation (AOR: 1.58, 95% CIs: 1.01–2.49, p = .047) but no differences in mental health. Childcare use was also associated with better parenting on all measures: positive parenting (AOR: 1.66, 95% CIs: 1.16–2.38, p = .006), better parental limit‐setting (AOR: 2.00, 95% CIs: 1.37–2.93, p < .001) and better positive discipline (AOR: 1.77, 95% CIs: 1.21–2.59, p = .003). For the children, there were no differences in temperament or illness, but a significant interaction showed stronger associations between childcare use and better cognitive, language and motor scores with increasing child age (AOR: 5.04, 95% CIs: 1.59–15.96, p = .006).

Conclusions

Adolescent mothers might benefit substantially from formal childcare, but causal links need to be explored further. Childcare use was also associated with improved parenting and better child development over time, suggesting positive pathways for children. At an average of $9 per month, childcare provisions for adolescent mothers may offer low‐cost opportunities to achieve high returns on health and human capital outcomes in Sub‐Saharan African contexts.
Reconsidering economic interventions to reduce oral health inequalities
Authors: Aida Jun , Ishimaru Miho , Kino Shiho
Published: June 2023

Despite the general recognition of economic factors as fundamental upstream social determinants of health inequalities, interventions to improve health and reduce inequalities tend to focus on proximal health determinants. However, recent socioeconomic crises have increased the focus on economic factors. Health‐related approaches to address economic factors can be divided into two categories: (1) indirect approaches, such as financial support for obtaining dental care and fiscal policies targeting unhealthy commodities and (2) direct approaches, such as cash transfers or provision of a universal basic income. For indirect approaches, policies reducing out‐of‐pocket payments for dental care appear to improve access to services and reduce oral health inequalities. Price policies targeting tobacco and sugar through taxation are associated with declines in periodontal disease and caries, and sugar taxation appears to reduce oral health inequalities. As regards direct approaches, studies on cash transfers to low‐income individuals have found no positive impact on dental visits, while results in relation to caries prevention were inconclusive. No dental studies examined the effect of a population approach to income security, such as basic income. Research on economic interventions for oral health inequalities is scarce, and studies using causal inference methods and natural experiments are urgently needed.
Parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration with parathyroid hormone washout as a preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenoma—A retrospective study
Authors: Klein Pinchas , Alsleibi Shibli , Cohen Ohad , Ilany Jacob , Hemi Rina , Barhod Ehud , Vered Iris , Winder Ophir , Avior Galit , Tripto‐Shklonik Liana
Published: June 2023

Objective

The use of parathyroid lesion aspiration in preoperative adenoma localisation is controversial. Concerns have been raised regarding both immediate safety (hematoma, infection, alterations on a subsequent histologic preparate) and long‐term safety (seeding). We aimed to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term safety, and the efficacy, of parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration with parathyroid hormone washout as a localisation modality of parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Design

A retrospective study.

Patients

The sample comprised 29 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy at a tertiary referral centre, following localisation with parathyroid hormone washout.

Measurements

We reviewed all parathyroid hormone washout procedures performed during 2011–2021. Clinical, biochemical, and imaging information; and cytology, surgery, and pathology reports were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

Parathyroid hormone levels from the needle wash were 2.1–112.5 times the upper limit of the serum norm. Other than mild neck discomfort, no immediate procedure complications were documented. Fibrotic changes and necrosis were reported in two patients, with no effect on the final pathologic diagnosis or surgery course. No long‐term complications (seeding, or parathyromatosis) were found. A total of 26 (90%) patients who were operated following a positive parathyroid hormone washout result were normocalcemic at the end of a mean 38.1‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration with parathyroid hormone washout was accurate. Immediate, surgical, or delayed complications were not demonstrated in our series. This approach might be considered for selected patients.
The use of corporal punishment and physical disciplinary techniques by Flemish mothers
Authors: Vanderfaeillie Johan , Van Eynde Kaat , Van Blyenbergh Elien , Verheyden Camille , Van Dooren Erik , Van Holen Frank
Published: June 2023

Corporal punishment (CP) of children has many negative consequences, yet many parents still use CP to discipline their child. This study used an online questionnaire to determine the prevalence of CP among Flemish mothers, which specific physical disciplinary techniques (PDT) they consider CP and which PDT they use. In addition, the association of attitudes regarding CP, personal experiences with CP and cultural acceptance with the use of CP was examined. A total of 411 Flemish mothers with a child aged between 2 and 11 years participated in the study. About 38% of the mothers reported to use CP. In case of the use of PDT, they mostly used mild PDT. The results also show that there is a lack of consensus regarding the conceptualization of CP among Flemish mothers. Furthermore, positive attitudes towards the use of CP was a predictor of its use. Because the use of CP is associated with many negative consequences, it is important to set up prevention programmes to dissuade mothers form using of CP, to alter positive attitudes regarding CP and to raise awareness regarding the negative impact of CP on the development of children.
Biogeographic–tectonic calibration of 14 nodes in a butterfly timetree
Authors: Heads Michael , Grehan John R. , Nielsen John , Patrick Brian
Published: June 2023

The butterfly subtribe Coenonymphina (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) comprises four main clades found, respectively, in (1) the Solomon Islands, (2) Australasia, (3) NW South America and (4) Laurasia, with a phylogeny: 1 (2 (3 + 4)). In assessing biogeographic evolution in the group we rejected the conversion of fossil‐calibrated clade ages to likely maximum clade ages by the imposition of arbitrary priors. Instead, we used biogeographic–tectonic calibration, with fossil‐calibrated ages accepted as minima. Previous studies have used this approach to date single nodes (phylogenetic–biogeographic breaks) in a group, but we extended the methodology to date multiple nodes. Within the Coenonymphina as a whole, 14 nodes coincide spatially with ten major tectonic events. In addition, the phylogenetic sequence of these nodes conforms to the chronological sequence of the tectonic events, consistent with a vicariance origin of the clades. Dating of the spatially coincident tectonic features provides a timescale for the vicariance events. The tectonic events are: pre‐drift intracontinental rifting between India and Australia (150 Ma); seafloor spreading at the margins of the growing Pacific plate, and between North and South America (140 Ma); magmatism flare‐up along the SW Pacific Whitsunday Volcanic Province–Median Batholith (130 Ma); a change from extension in the Clarence basin, eastern Australia, to uplift of the Great Dividing Range (114 Ma); Pamir Mountains uplift, foreland basin dynamics and high eustatic sea‐levels leading to marine transgression of the proto‐Paratethys Ocean eastward to Central Asia and Xinjiang (100 Ma); predrift rifting and seafloor spreading west of New Caledonia (100–50 Ma); sinistral strike‐slip displacement along the proto‐Alpine fault, New Zealand (100–80 Ma); thrust faulting in the Longmen Shan and foreland basin dynamics around the Sichuan Basin (85 Ma); pre‐drift rifting in the Coral Sea basin (85 Ma); and dextral displacement on the Alpine fault (20 Ma).
Multiple sevoflurane exposures during mid‐trimester induce neurotoxicity in the developing brain initiated by 15LO2‐Mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wang Cong , Gao Qiushi , Wu Ziyi , Zhao Ping
Published: June 2023

Aims

Mid‐gestational sevoflurane exposure may induce notable long‐term neurocognitive impairment in offspring. This study was designed to investigate the role and potential mechanism of ferroptosis in developmental neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane in the second trimester.

Methods

Pregnant rats on day 13 of gestation (G13) were treated with or without 3.0% sevoflurane, Ferrostatin‐1 (Fer‐1), PD146176, or Ku55933 on three consecutive days. Mitochondrial morphology, ferroptosis‐relative proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total iron content, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activities were measured. Hippocampal neuronal development in offspring was also examined. Subsequently, 15‐lipoxygenase 2 (15LO2)‐phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1) interaction and expression of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and its downstream proteins were also detected. Furthermore, Morris water maze (MWM) and Nissl's staining were applied to estimate the long‐term neurotoxic effects of sevoflurane.

Results

Ferroptosis mitochondria were observed after maternal sevoflurane exposures. Sevoflurane elevated MDA and iron levels while inhibiting GPX4 activity, and resultant long‐term learning and memory dysfunction, which were alleviated by Fer‐1, PD146176, and Ku55933. Sevoflurane could enhance 15LO2‐PEBP1 interaction and activate ATM and its downstream P53/SAT1 pathway, which might be attributed to excessive p‐ATM nuclear translocation.

Conclusion

This study proposes that 15LO2‐mediated ferroptosis might contribute to neurotoxicity induced by maternal sevoflurane anesthesia during the mid‐trimester in the offspring and its mechanism may be ascribed to hyperactivation of ATM and enhancement of 15LO2‐PEBP1 interaction, indicating a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity.
“People Around Here Like Their Fruits and Vegetables”: Eating, Growing Food, and Food Sovereignty in Eastern Kentucky
Authors: Koempel Annie
Published: June 2023

This article explores community‐based food production and sharing practices in eastern Kentucky that are often obscured by dominant neoliberal paradigms and market‐based solutions. I begin with an orientation to eastern Kentucky, which is nestled in the mountains of central Appalachia, and its history of economic precarity and subsistence. Next I introduce my methods, followed by discussions of food sovereignty. Through the presentation of ethnographic evidence from participant observation and in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews in eastern Kentucky, I illustrate an extant “quiet food sovereignty”—community‐based food production that is overlooked by institutions and unrecognized by practitioners as constituting food sovereignty. I argue that any push to marketize growing, gathering, and/or hunting food in eastern Kentucky is not the solution to economic precarity or poor public health in that part of the state. As I illustrate, small farming (or large farming, for that matter) is not an economically viable (although socially and culturally valuable) option in the United States. Instead, I argue for local and federal efforts that support community food sovereignty.
Predictors of self‐reported sexually transmitted infections among Turkish university students
Authors: Gülsoy Seçil Seymenler , Siyez Ender , Esen Erol , Baran Bahar , Siyez Diğdem Müge
Published: June 2023

Background and aim

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most crucial health problems that sexually active university students may encounter. This study aims to identify the predictors of self‐reported STIs among university students.

Methods

Study participants were 2,241 individuals who reported having had sexual intercourse among a cohort of 9,693 students surveyed from 21 Turkish universities. The age of participants ranged from 17 years to 28 years.

Results

The Chi‐Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) analysis indicated that gender was the main predictor of self‐reported STI. Also, number of partners and substance use were found as predictor variables for males. Finally, the classification accuracy of the CHAID model was found to be 95.3% within the sample.

Conclusions

The present findings shed light on risk factors for STI acquisition, suggesting possible directions for tailoring future preventive interventions.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal assessment of cognitive development in Williams syndrome
Authors: Farran Emily K. , Purser Harry R. M. , Jarrold Christopher , Thomas Michael S. C. , Scerif Gaia , Stojanovik Vesna , Van Herwegen Jo
Published: June 2023

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic syndrome. As with all rare syndromes, obtaining adequately powered sample sizes is a challenge. Here we present legacy data from seven UK labs, enabling the characterisation of cross‐sectional and longitudinal developmental trajectories of verbal and non‐verbal development in the largest sample of individuals with WS to‐date. In Study 1, we report cross‐sectional data between N = 102 and N = 209 children and adults with WS on measures of verbal and non‐verbal ability. In Study 2, we report longitudinal data from N = 17 to N = 54 children and adults with WS who had been tested on at least three timepoints on these measures. Data support the WS characteristic cognitive profile of stronger verbal than non‐verbal ability, and shallow developmental progression for both domains. Both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data demonstrate steeper rates of development in the child participants than the adolescent and adults in our sample. Cross‐sectional data indicate steeper development in verbal than non‐verbal ability, and that individual differences in the discrepancy between verbal and non‐verbal ability are largely accounted for by level of intellectual functioning. A diverging developmental discrepancy between verbal and non‐verbal ability, whilst marginal, is not mirrored statistically in the longitudinal data. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal data are discussed with reference to validating cross‐sectional developmental patterns using longitudinal data and the importance of individual differences in understanding developmental progression.
The Actuality of the Council of Nicaea
Authors: (Getcha) Metropolitan Job
Published: June 2023

The year 2025 will mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, the Council of Nicaea, which initiated a new chapter in the history of the Christian Church. The World Council of Churches is planning to organize a World Conference on Faith and Order to celebrate this anniversary and to reflect on the transmission of the apostolic faith today. This conference is not intended to study the history of the council nor to study its theology, but rather to reflect on what “visible unity” means to different Christian churches and how Christians can collectively promote, preach, and live the apostolic faith today in the context of many contemporary challenges, such as secularization and religious pluralism. In this perspective, the present article reflects on the actuality of the Council of Nicaea and how it still ought to be considered as normative for the Christians of the 21st century.
What Future for the Ecumenical Movement?
Authors: Sauca Ioan
Published: June 2023

This is an edited version of a lecture given by Ioan Sauca in February 2023 at the Study Centre for the Eastern Churches at the Institute for Ecumenical Studies of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, at the invitation of Professor Barbara Hallensleben. The lecture takes stock of Sauca's experience as a World Council of Churches (WCC) staff member, professor, and director of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and, more recently, as the first Orthodox to serve as acting general secretary of the WCC; from that experience and learning, Ioan Sauca draws conclusions about the future of the ecumenical movement.
Preservation of epidermal melanocyte integrity in an ex vivo co‐culture skin model with sebocytes
Authors: Abdel‐Naser Mohamed Badawy , Nikolakis Georgios , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: June 2023

A direct contact co‐culture of skin explants to SZ95 sebocytes (3D‐SeboSkin) has been shown to preserve the integrity of epidermal keratinocytes and dermis. In this study, the properties of epidermal melanocytes were evaluated in the same 3D SeboSkin ex vivo model. Skin explants (n = 6) were maintained in the 3D‐SeboSkin model, in direct contact to fibroblasts and alone in serum‐free medium (SFM). Histopathological, immunohistochemical, apoptosis and oil red staining evaluations were performed at Days 0 and 6 of incubation. Results revealed preservation and prominent proliferation of basal keratinocytes of the skin explants in addition to preservation of dermal collagen and vasculature at Day 6 in the 3D‐SeboSkin culture model and to a lesser extent in co‐culture with fibroblasts but not in SFM alone. Melan‐A+/Ki67‐ epidermal melanocytes remained attached to the dermis even at sites of epidermal detachment in the three skin explant models tested. However, the number of epidermal melanocytes was significantly conserved in 3D‐SeboSkin cultures in comparison with skin explants in SFM (p < 0.05), whereas no difference was found in comparison with the co‐culture with fibroblasts. Few DAPI/TUNEL+ apoptotic melanocytes could mostly be observed in SFM‐incubated skin explants. Furthermore, only SZ95 sebocytes in contact to skin explants in 3D‐SeboSkin exhibited increased lipogenesis with accumulation of abundant lipid droplets. These results denote that the 3D‐SeboSkin model yielded significant preservation of epidermal melanocytes and hence it is optimal for ex vivo studies of abnormalities of skin pigmentation, melanocyte neoplasms and effects of different hormones, cytokines, carcinogens and various therapeutics in a pattern that recapitulates the in vivo environment.
Opposition‐based ideal gas molecular movement algorithm with Cauchy mutation, velocity clamping, and mirror operator
Authors: Safari Mahsa , Varaee Hesam
Published: June 2023

The ideal gas molecular movement (IGMM) as a metaheuristic optimization method is a prominent option for solving optimization problems. However, in some complex cases, IGMM may possess premature convergence or get trapped in local optima. Therefore, to tackle these issues, this paper indicates a new modified IGMM algorithm named opposition‐based IGMM, which has been incorporated with opposition based learning (OBL), Cauchy mutation (CM), velocity clamping (VC), and mirror operator (MO) to enhance its performance. OBL, VC, and MO improve the convergence of IGMM, whereas CM assists IGMM to escape local optima. The effect of each strategy, OBL, CM, VC, and MO, on IGMM, is confirmed through 30 low and high‐dimensional benchmarks, including 23 well‐known mathematical problems and CEC2017 as complex test functions and three engineering problems. Analysis results represent that integration IGMM with OBL, CM, VC, and MO has the best performance among other IGMM variants and eventually improved IGMM in exploration, exploitation, accelerating convergence, and local optima avoidance.
Keeping up with the Joneses? Evidence from Peer Performance in the Banking Industry
Authors: Dbouk Wassim , Kryzanowski Lawrence
Published: June 2023

This paper traces the reaction of US banks to ROE underperformance on liquidity creation, equity capital, and loan loss provisions. We find that banks change their structures in the subsequent quarter after underperformance by increasing their on‐balance and off‐balance sheet liquidity creation to increase profitability. Banks tend to increase their equity capital and improve their loan quality by lowering non‐discretionary loan loss provisions to become safer. Banks signal their ability to overcome underperformance by increasing their discretionary loan loss provisions. Our results reveal that large banks rely mainly on off‐balance sheet liquidity creation as their primary tool to recover from underperformance while medium‐size and small banks adjust their equity capital to increase their safety.
Elemental stoichiometry of the key calcifying marine phytoplankton Emiliania huxleyi under ocean climate change: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sheward Rosie M. , Liefer Justin D. , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: June 2023

The elemental composition of marine microorganisms (their C:N:P ratio, or stoichiometry) is central to understanding the biotic and biogeochemical processes underlying key marine ecosystem functions. Phytoplankton C:N:P is species specific and flexible to changing environmental conditions. However, bulk or fixed phytoplankton stoichiometry is usually assumed in biogeochemical and ecological models because more realistic, environmentally responsive C:N:P ratios have yet to be defined for key functional groups. Here, a comprehensive meta‐analysis of experimental laboratory data reveals the variable C:N:P stoichiometry of Emiliania huxleyi, a globally significant calcifying phytoplankton species. Mean C:N:P of E. huxleyi is 124C:16N:1P under control conditions (i.e. growth not limited by one or more environmental stressors) and shows a range of responses to changes in nutrient and light availability, temperature and pCO2. Macronutrient limitation caused strong shifts in stoichiometry, increasing N:P and C:P under P deficiency (by 305% and 493% respectively) and doubling C:N under N deficiency. Responses to light, temperature and pCO2 were mixed but typically shifted cellular elemental content and C:N:P stoichiometry by ca. 30% or less. Besides these independent effects, the interactive effects of multiple environmental changes on E. huxleyi stoichiometry under future ocean conditions could be additive, synergistic or antagonistic. To synthesise our meta‐analysis results, we explored how the cellular elemental content and C:N:P stoichiometry of E. huxleyi may respond to two hypothetical future ocean scenarios (increased temperature, irradiance and pCO2 combined with either N deficiency or P deficiency) if an additive effect is assumed. Both future scenarios indicate decreased calcification (which is predominantly sensitive to elevated pCO2), increased C:N, and up to fourfold shifts in C:P and N:P. Our results strongly suggest that climate change will significantly alter the role of E. huxleyi (and potentially other calcifying phytoplankton species) in marine biogeochemical processes.
Engagement partner identification format and audit quality
Authors: Bédard Jean , Brousseau Carl , Sirois Louis‐Philippe
Published: June 2023

Exploiting the staggered adoption of three key regulations that implemented distinct engagement partner identification (EPI) formats for separate groups of Canadian firms over a 10‐year period, we investigate the association between eight audit quality proxies and three EPI formats: two indirect (auditor permit number in the report, Form AP) and one direct (partner name in the report). This unique setting not only enables us to examine the short‐term association between three different EPI formats and audit quality but also to investigate the long‐term association for one EPI format (auditor permit number). In the main analysis, out of 32 results of interest, only three are significant and indicate a positive association. Hence, our results show no widespread effect of EPI on audit quality, suggesting that the inconsistent results reported in prior studies may not be driven by the different formats explored or the short window investigated.
International Council for Standardization in Haematology recommendations for laboratory measurement of factorVIIIandFIXtypeIinhibitors
Authors: Meijer Piet , Peyvandi Flora , Young Guy , Pruthi Rajiv , de Lima Montalvão Silmara , Kitchen Steve
Published: June 2023

This guidance document has been prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardisation in Hematology. The aim of the document is to provide guidance and recommendations on the measurement of factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) inhibitors. After an introduction on the clinical background and relevance of factor VIII and factor IX inhibitor testing, the following aspects of laboratory testing are included: screening for inhibitors, assay principle, sample requirements, testing requirements and interpretation, quality assurance, interferences and recent developments. This guidance document focusses on recommendations for a standardised procedure for the laboratory measurement of FVIII and FIX type I inhibitors. The recommendations are based on published data in peer‐reviewed literature and expert opinion.
Infant effortful control predicts BMI trajectories from infancy to adolescence
Authors: Deer LillyBelle K. , Doom Jenalee R. , Harrall Kylie K. , Glueck Deborah H. , Glynn Laura M. , Sandman Curt A. , Davis Elysia Poggi
Published: June 2023

Background

Effortful control, or the regulation of thoughts and behaviour, is a potential target for preventing childhood obesity.

Objectives

To assess effortful control in infancy through late childhood as a predictor of repeated measures of body mass index (BMI) from infancy through adolescence, and to examine whether sex moderates the associations.

Methods

Maternal report of offspring effortful control and measurements of child BMI were obtained at 7 and 8 time points respectively from 191 gestational parent/child dyads from infancy through adolescence. General linear mixed models were used.

Results

Effortful control at 6 months predicted BMI trajectories from infancy through adolescence, F(5,338) = 2.75, p = 0.03. Further, when effortful control at other timepoints were included in the model, they added no additional explanatory value. Sex moderated the association between 6‐month effortful control and BMI, F(4, 338) = 2.59, p = 0.03, with poorer infant effortful control predicting higher BMI in early childhood for girls, and more rapid increases in BMI in early adolescence for boys.

Conclusions

Effortful control in infancy was associated with BMI over time. Specifically, poor effortful control during infancy was associated with higher BMI in childhood and adolescence. These findings support the argument that infancy may be a sensitive window for the development of later obesity.
Evaluation of risk factors, treatment options, and prognostic‐related factors in patients with benign ureteral strictures: An 8‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Ou Yangjie , Zhang Guoqing , Zhu Xin , Yin Hubing , Gou Xin , Deng Yuanzhong
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate the etiology, therapeutic effect, and prognosis‐related factors of benign ureteral strictures.

Methods

We analyzed the date of 142 patients with benign ureteral strictures from 2013 to 2021. Ninety‐five patients received endourological treatment and 47 patients underwent reconstruction. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information were compared and analyzed. Symptomatic improvement and radiographic blockage alleviation defined therapeutic success.

Results

Stone‐related factors caused 85.2% of cases. The overall success rate of endourological treatment was 51.6% versus 95.7% of reconstruction (p < 0.01). However, endourological treatment was better in terms of postoperative hospital stay time, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001). In endourological group, patients with stricture length ≤2 cm, mild‐to‐moderate hydronephrosis, proximal or distal stricture had a higher success rate. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the surgical method was the only independent risk factor affecting success and recurrence. Reconstruction success rate was higher than endourological treatment (p = 0.001, OR 0.057, 95% CI (0.011–0.291)), and recurrence rate was also lower (p = 0.001, HR 0.074, 95% CI (0.016–0.338)). No obvious recurrence was seen in reconstruction, and the median recurrence time in endourological treatment was 51 months.

Conclusions

Stone‐related factors are an important cause of benign ureteral strictures. Reconstruction is the gold standard treatment due to its high success rate and low recurrence rate. Endourological therapy is also preferred as the initial treatment in proximal or distal ureter with length ≤2 cm and mild‐to‐moderate hydronephrosis. Further close follow‐up is required after treatment.
TLR3/TRIF pathway confers protection against herpes simplex encephalitis through NK cell activation mediated by a loop of type I IFN and IL‐15 from epithelial and dendritic cells
Authors: Uyangaa Erdenebileg , Choi Jin Young , Park Seong Ok , Byeon Hee Won , Cho Hye Won , Kim Koanhoi , Eo Seong Kug
Published: June 2023

Autosomal recessive (AR) and dominant (AD) deficiencies of TLR3 and TRIF are believed to be crucial genetic causes of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), which is a fatal disease causing focal or global cerebral dysfunction following infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1). However, few studies have been conducted on the immunopathological networks of HSE in the context of TLR3 and TRIF defects at the cellular and molecular levels. In this work, we deciphered the crosstalk between type I IFN (IFN‐I)‐producing epithelial layer and IL‐15‐producing dendritic cells (DC) to activate NK cells for the protective role of TLR3/TRIF pathway in HSE progression after vaginal HSV‐1 infection. TLR3‐ and TRIF‐ablated mice showed enhanced susceptibility to HSE progression, along with high HSV‐1 burden in vaginal tract, lymphoid tissues and CNS. The increased HSV‐1 burden in TLR3‐ and TRIF‐ablated mice did not correlate with increased infiltration of Ly‐6C+ monocytes, but it was closely associated with impaired NK cell activation in vaginal tract. Furthermore, using delicate ex vivo experiments and bone marrow transplantation, TRIF deficiency in tissue‐resident cells, such as epithelial cells in vaginal tract, was found to cause impaired NK cell activation by means of low IFN‐I production, whereas IFN‐I receptor in DC was required for NK cell activation via IL‐15 production in response to IFN‐I produced from epithelial layer. These results provide new information about IFN‐I‐ and IL‐15‐mediated crosstalk between epithelial cells and DC at the primary infection site, which suppresses HSE progression in a TLR3‐ and TRIF‐dependent manner.
The role of mutuals and community‐based insurance in social health protection systems: International experience on delegated functions
Authors: Niang Marietou , Gélinas Émilie , Samb Oumar Mallé , Tessier Lou , Mailfert Mathilde , Iradukunda Aurore , dit Guérin Olivier Louis , Ridde Valéry
Published: June 2023

The institutional architecture for the provision of social health protection varies across countries, as do the actors and organizations involved. In some countries, mutual benefit societies and community‐based health insurance organizations (CBHI) play a role in this area. In the 1990s, these were promoted particularly as a means of extending social security coverage, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the current context, the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, as well as renewed political will to realize universal coverage, has led to a questioning of the role of mutuals/CBHI. However, the literature on the roles they play in national social security systems remains limited. For this scoping review, 49 documents were analysed, covering 18 countries worldwide, focused on the delegation of functions to mutuals/CBHI in national social health protection systems. The results reveal the dynamics of the delegation of functions within social protection systems over time and their implementation processes. These provide areas for reflection that can inform policy processes.
Fill‐rate service level constrained distribution network design
Authors: Escalona Pablo , Angulo Alejandro , Brotcorne Luce , Fortz Bernard , Tapia Paulina
Published: June 2023

The design of distribution networks that simultaneously consider location and inventory decisions seeks to balance costs and product availability. The most commonly observed measure of product availability in practical settings is the fill‐rate service level. However, the optimal design of a distribution network that considers the fill rate to control shortages of fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCG) is considered intractable and has only been addressed by heuristic methods. This paper addresses the optimal design of a distribution network for FMCG able to provide high fill‐rate service level under a continuous review policy. Considering the exact formulation for the provided fill rate, we formulated a joint location–inventory model with fill‐rate service level constraints as a convex mixed integer nonlinear problem for which a novel decomposition‐based outer approximation algorithm is proposed. Numerical experiments have shown that our solution approach provides good‐quality solutions that are on average 0.15% and, at worst, 2.2% from the optimal solution.