bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote electrical neuromodulation for migraine prevention: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tepper Stewart J. , Rabany Liron , Cowan Robert P. , Smith Timothy R. , Grosberg Brian M. , Torphy Bradley D. , Harris Dagan , Vizel Maya , Ironi Alon , Stark‐Inbar Alit , Blumenfeld Andrew M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of remote electrical neuromodulation (REN), used every other day, for the prevention of migraine.

Background

Preventive treatment is key to managing migraine, but it is often underutilized. REN, a non‐pharmacological acute treatment for migraine, was evaluated as a method of migraine prevention in patients with episodic and chronic migraine.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐center trial, with 1:1 ratio. The study consisted of a 4‐week baseline observation phase, and an 8‐week double‐blind intervention phase in which participants used either REN or a placebo stimulation every other day. Throughout the study, participants reported their symptoms daily, via an electronic diary.

Results

Two hundred forty‐eight participants were randomized (128 active, 120 placebo), of which 179 qualified for the modified intention‐to‐treat (mITT) analysis (95 active; 84 placebo). REN was superior to placebo in the primary endpoint, change in mean number of migraine days per month from baseline, with mean reduction of 4.0 ± SD of 4.0 days (1.3 ± 4.0 in placebo, therapeutic gain = 2.7 [confidence interval −3.9 to −1.5], p < 0.001). The significance was maintained when analyzing the episodic (−3.2 ± 3.4 vs. −1.0 ± 3.6, p = 0.003) and chronic (−4.7 ± 4.4 vs. −1.6 ± 4.4, p = 0.001) migraine subgroups separately. REN was also superior to placebo in reduction of moderate/severe headache days (3.8 ± 3.9 vs. 2.2 ± 3.6, p = 0.005), reduction of headache days of all severities (4.5 ± 4.1 vs. 1.8 ± 4.6, p < 0.001), percentage of patients achieving 50% reduction in moderate/severe headache days (51.6% [49/95] vs. 35.7% [30/84], p = 0.033), and reduction in days of acute medication intake (3.5 ± 4.1 vs. 1.4 ± 4.3, p = 0.001). Similar results were obtained in the ITT analysis. No serious device‐related adverse events were reported in any group.

Conclusion

Applied every other day, REN is effective and safe for the prevention of migraine.
The dynamic nature of patient engagement within a Canadian patient‐oriented kidney health research network: Perspectives of researchers and patient partners
Authors: Elliott Meghan J. , McCarron Tamara L. , Schick‐Makaroff Kara , Getchell Leah , Manns Braden , Fernandez Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease (Can‐SOLVE CKD) is a pan‐Canadian health research network that engages patients as partners across 18 unique projects and core infrastructure. In this qualitative study, we explored how research teams integrated patient partners into network research activities to inform our patient engagement approach.

Methods

To capture a breadth of perspectives, this qualitative descriptive study purposively sampled researchers and patient partners across 18 network research teams. We conducted 4 focus groups (2 patients and 2 researchers; n = 26) and 28 individual telephone interviews (n = 12 patient partners; n = 16 researchers). Transcripts were coded in duplicate, and themes were developed through an inductive, thematic analysis approach.

Results

We included 24 patient partners and 24 researchers from 17 of the 18 projects and all core committees within the network. Overarching concepts relate participants' initial impressions and uncertainty about patient engagement to an evolving appreciation of its value, impact and sustainability. We identified four themes with subthemes that characterized the dynamic nature of patient engagement and how participants integrated patients across network initiatives: (1) Reinforcing a shared purpose (learning together, collective commitment, evolving attitudes); (2) Fostering a culture of responsive and innovative research (accessible supports, strengthened process and product); (3) Aligning priorities, goals and needs (amenability to patient involvement, mutually productive relationships, harmonizing expectations); (4) Building a path to sustainability (value creation, capacity building, sustaining knowledge use).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the dynamic and adaptive processes related to patient engagement within a national, patient‐oriented kidney health research network. Optimization of support structures and capacity are key factors to promote sustainability of engagement processes within and beyond the network.

Patient or Public Contribution

This project was conceived in collaboration with a Can‐SOLVE CKD patient partner (N. F.), with lived experience of kidney failure. He also co‐designed the study′s protocol, led focus groups and researcher interviews, and contributed to data analysis. L. G. has lived experience as a caregiver for a person with CKD and facilitated patient partner focus groups. The patient partners, both of whom are listed authors, provided important insights that shaped our interpretation and presentation of study findings.
Effect of HfSi2‐induced intergranular liquid phase on densification behavior of ZrB2
Authors: Wei Zhifan , Li Hongwei , Chen Guoqing , Zu Yufei , Fu Xuesong , Zhou Wenlong
Published: January 2023

The densification behavior and mechanical properties of ZrB2‐based composites were investigated. The results demonstrated that the fully dense ZrB2‐based composites could be obtained at lower sintering temperature (1600°C) and pressure (30 MPa) when the content of HfSi2 was above 20 vol.%. The as‐sintered composite was a special core–shell structure, with ZrB2 as the core and (Zr, Hf)B2 solid solution as the shell. The core–shell structure resulted from the diffusion of Hf atom into the boride matrix, which could accelerate the densification. In addition, the intergranular liquid phase induced by the HfSi2 addition filled the micropores of the composites effectively during the sintering. When the content of HfSi2 increased to 20 vol.%, its compressive strength, hardness, and fracture toughness all reached the maximum values, which were 1617 MPa, 15.99 GPa, and 2.44 MPa m1/2, respectively.
Ecotourism experience: A systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Sana  , Chakraborty Samantak , Adil Mohd , Sadiq Mohd
Published: January 2023

This study presents a systematic review of the last 25 years' literature and offers a comprehensive understanding of the ecotourism experience. The study uses a Theory‐Context‐Characteristics‐Method (TCCM) framework, offering insights that ecotourism experience research has advanced beyond ecotourism sites and resources to a multi‐stakeholder approach. As a result, we have developed a conceptual framework illustrating three consumption stages of ecotourism, that is, pre‐visit, on‐site and post‐visit. The study concludes by identifying some neglected areas and suggesting some future research directions in ecotourism experience field. Lastly, several theoretical and practical implications are presented that could aid the ecotourism industry in overcoming ecotourists' inertia toward site visits.
Layered origins of lymphoid tissue inducer cells
Authors: van de Pavert Serge A.
Published: January 2023

The Innate Lymphoid Cell (ILC) family is a relatively recently described immune cell family involved in innate immune responses and tissue homeostasis. Lymphoid Tissue Inducer (LTi) cells are part of the type 3 (ILC3) family. The ILC3 family is the main ILC population within the embryo, in which the LTi cells are critically associated with embryonic lymph node formation. Recent studies have shown more insights in ILC origin and residency from local embryonic and tissue resident precursors. Embryonic LTi cells originating from a different hemogenic endothelial source were shown to be replaced by HSC derived progenitors in adult. This review will discuss the layered origin of the ILC3 family with an emphasis on the LTi cell lineage.
Corrosion behavior of Monofrax K‐3 refractory in borosilicate‐based model low activity waste glass melts
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Saini Rajan , Koray Akdoğan Enver , McCloy John Stuart , Goel Ashutosh
Published: January 2023

Owing to its good chemical and thermal durabilities at high temperatures, Monofrax K‐3 refractory is widely used in nuclear waste vitrification as a lining material in melting vessels. However, the corrosion of K‐3 refractory during the vitrification of nuclear waste is a serious problem because it affects the melter's safety, performance, and lifetime. Therefore, in the present study, we have focused on unearthing the impact of glass network formers, such as SiO2, B2O3, and Al2O3, in a model nuclear waste glass composition on the corrosion of Monofrax K‐3 refractory. The corrosion tests have been performed per ASTM C621 at 1150°C for 5 days. The dimensional measurements on corroded K‐3 refractory suggest that Al2O3 and SiO2 tend to reduce the refractory corrosion (neck loss), with the effect of Al2O3 being significant. A corroded region on the K‐3 refractory at the melt–refractory interface is observed. The corrosion occurs via a coupling of the melt infiltration induced by a capillary effect and the dissolution of Al, Mg, and Fe components from K‐3 into the melt through chemical reactions. A Cr‐rich layer is retained on the glass contact surface of the corroded K‐3 refractory.
Island plant functional syndromes and competition with invasive species
Authors: Barton Kasey E. , Fortunel Claire
Published: January 2023

Island floras are diverse with exceptionally high rates of endemicity, and they are also severely threatened. Invasive plants are widespread on islands, but whether islands are particularly susceptible to invasion or island species are more vulnerable to displacement, or both, remains unclear. As part of the “island plant syndrome,” it has been predicted that island plants have convergently evolved conservative resource use, slow growth rates, and weak competitive abilities in response to moderate climates and the presumed absence of competition in communities with relatively low species richness. Yet, functional trait approaches have provided mixed evidence to support this prediction, and direct tests of competition as neighbour effects on plant performance are lacking. Considering the extensive environmental heterogeneity that exists within islands and among islands, it seems more likely that diverse functional strategies, spanning conservative to acquisitive, have evolved in island plants. Furthermore, assessing island plant syndrome predictions through comparisons with invasive species, which are nonrandom subsets of continental plants, is a flawed approach. Future studies that compare functional strategies of native island versus native continental plants and direct tests for competition between native and invasive island plants within the local scale at which competition occurs, and that consider non‐additivities with other simultaneous global threats, are urgently needed to conserve these biodiversity hotspots.
Taking stock of the present and looking to the future of ADHD research: a commentary on Sonuga‐Barke et al. (2023)
Authors: Agnew‐Blais Jessica , Michelini Giorgia
Published: January 2023

The review by Sonuga‐Barke and colleagues offers a thoughtful and wide‐ranging appraisal of the current state of ADHD research, while also looking into the future to consider unresolved questions and critical next steps. Furthermore, it grapples with the tension between the need to define a coherent conceptualisation of ADHD for clinical and research purposes, while keeping an open mind to new research that challenges current consensus. In our commentary, we consider several cross‐cutting ideas discussed in Sonuga‐Barke et al., including the heterogeneous nature of ADHD, ensuring equity of translational research, and the importance of participatory research to support equitable and acceptable clinical practices for all individuals with ADHD.
The mammalian insulin antagonist S961 does not exhibit insulin receptor antagonism in rainbow trout in vivo
Authors: Talarico Giancarlo G. M. , Grégoire Mélissa , Weber Jean‐Michel , Mennigen Jan A.
Published: January 2023

Due to their reported ‘glucose‐intolerant’ phenotype, rainbow trout have been the focus of comparative studies probing underlying endocrine mechanisms at the organismal, tissue and molecular level. A particular focus has been placed on the investigation of the comparative role of insulin, an important glucoregulatory hormone, and its interaction with macronutrients. A limiting factor in the comparative investigation of insulin is the current lack of reliable assays to quantify circulating mature and thus bioactive insulin. To circumvent this limitation, tissue‐specific responsiveness to postprandial or exogenous insulin has been quantified at the level of post‐translational modifications of cell signalling proteins. These studies revealed that the insulin responsiveness of these proteins and their post‐translational modifications are evolutionarily highly conserved and thus provide useful and quantifiable proxy indices to investigate insulin function in rainbow trout. While the involvement of specific branches of the intracellular insulin signalling pathway (e.g., mTor) in rainbow trout glucoregulation have been successfully probed through pharmacological approaches, it would be useful to have a functionally validated insulin receptor antagonist to characterize the glucoregulatory role of the insulin receptor pathway in its entirety for this species. Here, we report two separate in vivo experiments to test the ability of the mammalian insulin receptor antagonist, S961, to efficiently block insulin signalling in liver and muscle in response to endogenously released insulin and to exogenously infused bovine insulin. We found that, irrespective of the experimental treatment or dose, activation of the insulin pathway in liver and muscle was not inhibited by S961, showing that its antagonistic effect does not extend to rainbow trout.
Tax policies and agency costs
Authors: Duarte Diogo , Dupoyet Brice , Docgne Sandrine , Rouxelin Florent
Published: January 2023

We show that when large corporations are subject to a different tax system than smaller firms, the agency cost of under‐ and overinvestment is significantly altered. In contrast to the findings in the literature, the gap between the first‐ and second‐best investment trigger prices do not move in lockstep with variations in the corporate tax rate, as in the case of a linear tax system. We show that the gap can either widen or shrink, depending on the tax policy design and regime. In addition, we find that the agency cost under a progressive tax regime is considerably larger than the agency cost under a regressive tax regime when equityholders have to bear all the investment costs. These results are reversed when managers have the ability to issue additional debt to finance the firm's expansion and transfer part of the investment costs to bondholders.
Differences between patients with inpatient‐onset and outpatient‐onset acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: An observational study
Authors: Fujita Minoru , Manabe Noriaki , Murao Takahisa , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Tanikawa Tomohiro , Nakamura Jun , Ishii Katsunori , Monden Syuzo , Uji Emiko , Misawa Hiraku , Ninomiya Takehiro , Sasahira Momoyo , Chikaishi Masaya , Yo Shogen , Osawa Motoyasu , Katsumata Ryo , Ayaki Maki , Ishii Manabu , Kawamoto Hirofumi , Shiotani Akiko , Hata Jiro , Haruma Ken
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

The clinical severity and course of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) are believed to differ between inpatient‐onset and outpatient‐onset cases, but no reports have investigated these issues in detail. We aimed to evaluate the clinical differences between inpatient‐onset and outpatient‐onset ALGIB.

Methods

Medical records of patients who had undergone emergency colonoscopy for ALGIB were retrospectively reviewed. The severity was evaluated using the NOBLADS score. Patients with obvious ALGIB relapse and/or persistent iron‐deficiency anemia after emergency colonoscopy were considered to exhibit a poor clinical course.

Results

We reviewed 723 patients with ALGIB and divided them into the inpatient‐onset cohort (172 patients) and outpatient‐onset cohort (551 patients). Compared with the outpatient‐onset cohort, the inpatient‐onset cohort had a significantly higher proportion of patients with a poor clinical course (51.2% vs 21.6%; P < 0.001) and a significantly higher mean NOBLADS score (3.6 ± 1.1 vs 2.5 ± 1.0; P < 0.001). The most common bleeding source was acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (52.3%) in the inpatient‐onset cohort and colonic diverticular bleeding (29.4%) in the outpatient‐onset cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that a platelet count < 15 × 104/μL and albumin concentration < 3 g/dL were significantly associated with a poor clinical course in the inpatient‐onset cohort.

Conclusions

The clinical course was significantly worse in the inpatient‐onset cohort than in the outpatient‐onset cohort. The bleeding source, clinical characteristics, and clinical course differed between the inpatient‐onset and outpatient‐onset cohorts. The clinical course in the inpatient‐onset cohort may depend on the patient's condition at ALGIB onset.
Survival and characteristics of older adults receiving home‐based medical care: A nationwide analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Chih‐Yuan , Chen Ya‐Mei , Huang Sheng‐Jean
Published: January 2023

Background

In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance Administration initiated the integrated home‐based medical care (iHBMC) program in 2016 to improve accessibility to health care for homebound patients. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of older people receiving iHBMC services in Taiwan as well as the relationship between patient characteristics and survival.

Methods

All older adults registered in the iHBMC application dataset were enrolled between March 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Data on social determinants of health (income level, residential area), functional status, consciousness status, nasogastric tube or urinary catheter placement, and major diseases were retrieved from the database. Data on the frequency of multidisciplinary team members' visits were collected. The survival rate was investigated using the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards univariate regression was conducted to analyze factors influencing survival rates.

Results

A total of 41,079 patients aged ≥65 years were enrolled in iHBMC services. The results showed that the one‐year survival rates were 72.1%, 67.4%, and 14.7% in the home‐based primary care (HBPC), home‐based primary care plus (HBPC‐Plus), and home‐based palliative care (HBPalC), respectively. Nearly two‐thirds of the HBPC‐Plus patients underwent nasogastric tube placement. The Cox proportional hazards univariate regression analysis showed that a low urbanization level, a low income level, a low functional status, and an impaired consciousness status were significant predictors of poor survival after adjustment for confounding variables.

Conclusions

Older adults receiving iHBMC services had a high mortality rate. The high rate of feeding tube use indicated that education and support for both clinical practitioners and family caregivers regarding careful hand feeding are warranted. There was a relationship between low income levels and poor survival in rural areas. Further research on whether social care could impact prognosis should be considered.
Evaluation of interdisciplinary care pathway implementation in older elective surgery patients
Authors: Hu Frances Y. , Rowe Katherine A. , O'Mara Lynne M. , Bulger Amy , Bleday Ronald , Groff Michael W. , Cooper Zara , Bernacki Rachelle E.
Published: January 2023

Background

The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program outlines best practices for surgical care in older adults. These recommendations have guided institutions to create workflows to better support needs specific to older surgical patients. This qualitative study explored clinician experiences to understand influences on implementation of frailty screening and an interdisciplinary care pathway in older elective colorectal surgery and neurosurgery patients.

Study Design

Semi‐structured in‐person and video‐based interviews were conducted from July 2021 to March 2022 with clinicians caring for patients ≥70 years on the colorectal surgery and neurosurgery services. Interviews addressed familiarity with and beliefs about the intervention, intervention alignment with routine workflow and workflow adaptations, and barriers and facilitators to performing the intervention. Interviews were analyzed using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to find themes related to ongoing implementation.

Results

Thirty‐two clinicians participated (56.3% female, 58.8% White). Fifteen relevant CFIR constructs were identified. Key themes to implementation success included strong participant belief in effectiveness of the intervention and its advantage over standard care; the importance of training, reference materials, and champions; and the need for institution‐level investment in resources to amplify the impact of the intervention on patients and expand the capacity to address their needs.

Conclusion

Systematic evaluation found implementation of frailty screening and an interdisciplinary care pathway in elective colorectal surgery and neurosurgery patients to be supported by participating clinicians, yet sustainability of the intervention and further adoption across surgical services to better meet the needs of older patients would necessitate organizational resource allocation.
A bottom‐up modeling of metabolism of the residential building system in China toward 2050
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lu Qingqing , Yuan Zengwei , Jiang Songyan , Wu Huijun
Published: January 2023

This study predicted the metabolic process of the residential building system in China toward 2050 by addressing the detailed provincial patterns and urban–rural disparity and the characterizing metabolisms of building materials in detail. The results show that after a rapid growth during 1980–1990, the in‐use stocks of residential buildings in China are expected to slow down in around 2030, reaching 75 billion m2 in 2050. Urban regions will account for 80% of total stocks, and provinces in the eastern and southern coastal areas will have the largest share. As demolition lags construction, the end‐of‐life residential buildings will continue to grow steadily with huge urban–rural and provincial differences, reaching 1.4 billion m2 by 2050. Regarding the metabolism of building materials, the inflow of most materials will decrease after 2030, while the outflow will increase steadily toward inflow. Based on the recycling outlook of construction and demolition waste and the corresponding environmental benefit, it is indicated that under the Chinese government's ambitious planning and vigorous promotion, prior to the middle of the century, the building system has the potential to transition to a sustainable future that meets residents’ housing needs with a remarkable decreasing input of raw materials thereby notably decreasing pressures on the environment, which will significantly benefit the goal of carbon neutrality in China.
ESCRT‐III component OsSNF7.2 modulates leaf rolling by trafficking and endosomal degradation of auxin biosynthetic enzyme OsYUC8 in rice
Authors: Zhou Liang , Chen Saihua , Cai Maohong , Cui Song , Ren Yulong , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Tianzhen , Zhou Chunlei , Jin Xin , Zhang Limin , Wu Minxi , Zhang Shuyi , Cheng Zhijun , Zhang Xin , Lei Cailin , Lin Qibing , Guo Xiuping , Wang Jie , Zhao Zhichao , Jiang Ling , Zhu Shanshan , Wan Jianmin
Published: January 2023

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) is highly conserved in eukaryotic cells and plays an essential role in the biogenesis of multivesicular bodies and cargo degradation to the plant vacuole or lysosomes. Although ESCRT components affect a variety of plant growth and development processes, their impact on leaf development is rarely reported. Here, we found that OsSNF7.2, an ESCRT‐III component, controls leaf rolling in rice (Oryza sativa). The Ossnf7.2 mutant rolled leaf 17 (rl17) has adaxially rolled leaves due to the decreased number and size of the bulliform cells. OsSNF7.2 is expressed ubiquitously in all tissues, and its protein is localized in the endosomal compartments. OsSNF7.2 homologs, including OsSNF7, OsSNF7.3, and OsSNF7.4, can physically interact with OsSNF7.2, but their single mutation did not result in leaf rolling. Other ESCRT complex subunits, namely OsVPS20, OsVPS24, and OsBRO1, also interact with OsSNF7.2. Further assays revealed that OsSNF7.2 interacts with OsYUC8 and aids its vacuolar degradation. Both Osyuc8 and rl17 Osyuc8 showed rolled leaves, indicating that OsYUC8 and OsSNF7.2 function in the same pathway, conferring leaf development. This study reveals a new biological function for the ESCRT‐III components, and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf rolling.
Setting contextual conditions to resolve grand challenges through responsible innovation: A comparative patent analysis in the circular economy
Authors: Liu Yipeng , Xing Yijun , Vendrell‐Herrero Ferran , Bustinza Oscar F.
Published: January 2023

This article draws on responsible innovation (RI) undertaken by hybrid organizations, institutional rigidity, and national innovation systems (NISs) to assess and contextualize the innovation performance of for‐profit firms seeking to resolve grand challenges (GCs). The extant research on RI lacks the theoretical underpinnings to profile the unique characteristics of RI firms and the contextual conditions behind the resolution of GCs through RI. This study aims to fill this important gap by focusing on a specific type of RI firm—a firm seeking to reduce climate change through implementation of a circular economy model. By studying a multi‐country sample of 1153 manufacturing firms, we implemented propensity score matching (PSM) and the Heckman selection model to compare the patent productivity of RI and non‐RI firms. Our evidence demonstrates that RI firms display lower likelihood of patenting and lower patent productivity than non‐RI firms when they do engage in patenting. Furthermore, we found that a stronger national R&D environment can be conducive to aligning public interests and private incentives by enabling RI firms to enhance their patent productivity. Additionally, RI firms in industries with lower levels of technological complexity capture more value from improvements in R&D environments than RI firms in industries with higher levels of technological complexity. Our argument as a whole contributes to the GC and RI literature streams by considering both the innovation barriers faced by RI‐oriented firms and the macro/industry boundary conditions that enable such organizations to overcome them.
Insomnia with objective short sleep duration is associated with hypertension
Authors: Dai Yanyuan , Chen Baixin , Chen Le , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio , Karataraki Maria , Tang Xiangdong , Li Yun
Published: January 2023

Insomnia with objective short sleep duration has been proposed as the most biologically severe phenotype of the disorder associated with cardiometabolic morbidity in population‐based samples. In this study, we investigated the association between insomnia with objective short sleep duration and hypertension in a large clinical sample. We studied 348 patients diagnosed with chronic insomnia disorder based on International Classification of Sleep Disorders Third Edition criteria and 150 normal sleepers. Objective short sleep duration was defined by the median total sleep time of the sample (< 7 hr) measured with 1‐night polysomnography. Hypertension was defined based on blood pressure levels, antihypertensive medication use and/or a physician diagnosis. After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with chronic insomnia disorder who slept < 7 hr were associated with 2.8‐fold increased odds of hypertension compared with normal sleepers who slept ≥ 7 hr (odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval = 1.068–7.411) or < 7 hr (odds ratio = 2.75, 95% confidence interval = 1.005–7.542), whereas patients with chronic insomnia disorder who slept ≥ 7 hr (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval = 0.537–4.285) or normal sleepers who slept < 7 hr (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = 0.294–3.904) were not significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension compared with normal sleepers who slept ≥ 7 hr. Linear regression analyses showed that, for every hour decrease in total sleep time, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 1.014 mmHg (p = 0.045) and 0.923 mmHg (p = 0.015), respectively, in patients with chronic insomnia disorder but not in normal sleepers. Our findings further support that insomnia with objective short sleep duration is a risk factor for hypertension, and objective short sleep duration may be a useful marker of the biological severity of chronic insomnia disorder in clinical practice.
MiR‐155 regulates M2 polarization of hepatitis B virus‐infected tumour‐associated macrophages which in turn regulates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fei Yingming , Wang Zhiwei , Huang Minmin , Wu Xinjuan , Hu Fangqin , Zhu Jinlong , Yu Youlin , Shen Huajiang , Wu Yong , Xie Guilin , Zhou Zumo
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiated by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complicated process. MiR‐155 can alter the immune microenvironment to affect the host's anti‐infective ability. This study investigated the mechanism by which miR‐155 affects tumour‐associated macrophage (TAM) polarization at a molecular level, thus affecting the malignant progression of HBV+HCC. MiR‐155 and TAM‐related cytokine expression were analysed by qRT‐PCR. The distribution of TAMs was detected by immunohistochemistry. The effect of the aberrant miR‐155 expression on macrophage polarization was examined by flow cytometry. The targeted relationship was verified by dual‐luciferase assay, and the protein level of src homology 2 domain‐containing inositol polyphosphate 5‐phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) was detected by western blot. The proliferation of HCC cells was examined by CCK‐8 and colony formation assays. Invasion and migration of HCC cells were detected by transwell assay. In HBV+HCC tissues, miR‐155 was significantly highly expressed and the number of CD206‐positive TAM (CD206+ TAM) and CD68‐positive TAM (CD68+ TAM) were higher than those in HBV−HCC tissues. In addition, miR‐155 overexpression significantly promoted M2‐type macrophage polarization, whilst miR‐155 silencing expression significantly promoted M1‐type macrophage polarization. Besides, the miR‐155/SHIP1 axis accelerated HCC cell invasion, proliferation and migration by inducing M2‐type macrophage polarization. MiR‐155 accelerates HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SHIP1 expression and inducing macrophage M2 polarization. This finding provides new insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for combatting HBV+HCC and a new reference for exploring anti‐tumour immunotherapy.
Tonsillar carcinoma in dogs: Treatment outcome and potential prognostic factors in 123 cases
Authors: Treggiari Elisabetta , Pellin MacKenzie A. , Romanelli Giorgio , Maresca Gianluca , Gramer Irina , Yale Andrew D. , Pecceu Evi , Pignanelli Matteo , Borrego Juan , Purzycka Katarzyna , Berlato Davide
Published: January 2023

Background

Tonsillar carcinomas are rarely reported in dogs. Information on outcome after treatment is sparse and prognosis is guarded to poor.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess treatment outcome and potential prognostic factors in a population of dogs with cytological or histopathological diagnosis of tonsillar carcinoma.

Animals

A total of 123 client‐owned dogs with diagnosis of tonsillar carcinoma confirmed by cytology or histopathology.

Methods

Retrospective, multi‐institutional study. Medical records of 12 institutions were reviewed from 2012 to 2021.

Results

Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy (conventional, tyrosine kinase inhibitors or metronomic chemotherapy), radiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a combination of these. Surgery was performed in 68 cases, chemotherapy was administered in association with NSAIDs in 64 cases, NSAIDs were used alone in 14 cases and in association with surgery in 21 cases, whereas radiotherapy was used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy in 20 cases. Overall survival time (OST) was 126 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 88‐164). Significantly longer survival (P < .001) was seen in dogs without evidence of metastatic disease (median survival time, 381 days; 95% CI, 116‐646). Other significant positive prognostic factors included absence of clinicals signs at presentation, surgery (tonsillectomy), use of adjuvant chemotherapy and use of NSAIDs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Asymptomatic dogs, those treated with surgery, those that received adjuvant chemotherapy, and those that received NSAIDs may have a better prognosis than previously expected, but overall survival remains short for dogs with tonsillar carcinoma.
Louis de Wohl: Shady Astrologer, MI5 Recruit, Christian Storyteller
Authors: Middleton Darren J. N.
Published: January 2023

Using files declassified and released to Great Britain's National Archives, this article shows how Britain's domestic spy agency, MI5, recruited Louis de Wohl (1903-61), a flashy Hungarian astrologer and Christian writer to create horoscopes for Adolf Hitler during World War II. De Wohl was a controversial figure. His origin story does not check out. His MI5 handlers found him showy. And recent journalists dismiss him as a ‘persuasive fake’. Yet his pre-war fictions were adapted for cinema, his later theological novels remain bestsellers, and his personal story deserves greater attention if we are to better understand Christian historical fiction's popularity.
Neuropathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 8: Common features and unique tauopathy
Authors: Yonenobu Yuki , Beck Goichi , Kido Kansuke , Maeda Norihisa , Yamashita Rika , Inoue Kimiko , Saito Yuko , Hasegawa Masato , Ito Hidefumi , Hasegawa Kazuko , Morii Eiichi , Iwaki Toru , Murayama Shigeo , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: January 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) is a neurodegenerative condition that presents with several neurological symptoms, such as cerebellar ataxia, parkinsonism, and cognitive impairment. It is caused by a CTA/CTG repeat expansion on chromosome 13q21 (ataxin 8 opposite strand [ATXN8OS]). However, the pathological significance of this expansion remains unclear. Moreover, abnormal CTA/CTG repeat expansions in ATXN8OS have also been reported in other neurodegenerative diseases, including progressive supranuclear palsy. In this study, we analyzed all available autopsy cases in Japan to investigate common pathological features and profiles of tau pathology in each case. Severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and prominent loss of Purkinje cells, atrophy of the molecular layer, and proliferation of Bergmann glia in the cerebellum were common features. Regarding tauopathy, one case presented with progressive supranuclear palsy‐like 4‐repeat tauopathy in addition to mild Alzheimer‐type 3‐ and 4‐repeat tauopathy. Another case showed 3‐ and 4‐repeat tauopathy accentuated in the brainstem. The other two cases lacked tauopathy after extensive immunohistochemical studies. The present study confirmed common pathological features of SCA8 as degeneration of the substantia nigra in addition to the cerebellum. Our study also confirmed unique tauopathy in two of four cases, indicating the necessity to further collect autopsy cases.
Initial assessment of medical post‐traumatic stress among patients with chronic esophageal diseases
Authors: Taft Tiffany H. , Carlson Dustin A. , Marchese Sara H. , Pandolfino John E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Diagnosis and management of chronic esophageal disease requires the use of potentially traumatic medical procedures, performed with or without sedation. Medical trauma and post‐traumatic stress (PTS) are emerging as important considerations in patients with digestive illness. To date, no study assesses medical PTS from procedures in patients with esophageal disease.

Methods

Adult patients with achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or functional esophageal disease at a university‐based gastroenterology clinic completed: Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), Gastroesophageal Disease Questionnaire, Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire, Northwestern Esophageal Quality of Life scale (HRQoL), NIH‐PROMIS Depression scale, and a study‐specific questionnaire about esophageal procedures (endoscopy with sedation; functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) with sedation; high‐resolution manometry (HRM); wireless pH testing; or 24‐h pH‐impedance testing).

Key Results

Half of 149 participants reported at least one traumatic procedure, with HRM most often cited. Only 2.7% met the cutoff for PTS on PCL‐5. This increased to 7.1% for patients with a traumatic procedure combined with experiencing intense fear. Rates of moderate–severe PTS ranged from 7.4%–12% for all patients and 14%–29% for those with a traumatic procedure with fear. Medical PTS was associated with poorer HRQoL, and increased esophageal symptoms, depression, and hypervigilance and symptom anxiety.

Conclusions & Inferences

Preliminary evidence suggests medical PTS affects few patients with esophageal disease. However traumatic procedures, most often associated with HRM, significantly increase PTS symptoms. The potential impacts of medical PTS on esophageal patient assessment and outcomes are considerable and warrants further study.
Effects of counterclockwise bimaxillary advancement surgery and relapse on upper airway
Authors: Salazar Aylin Gallegos , AlSulaiman Ahmed , Parsi Goli , Gunson Michael , Will Leslie A. , Motro Melih
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term volumetric changes of the upper airway compartments in response to counterclockwise bimaxillary advancement surgery with multi‐piece maxillary osteotomy, and to analyse the relationship between the postoperative stability of the maxillomandibular skeletal complex, and the volumetric airway changes over‐time.

Methodology

Twenty‐seven sets of pre (T0), post (T1) and follow‐up (T2) (20.15 months) CBCT scans were used. The upper airway was isolated into five compartments: soft and bony nasal cavity (SNC, BNC), nasopharynx (NP), oropharynx (OP) and hypopharynx (HP) using Mimics V.22 software. The volumetric changes and the correlation between the airway change and the skeletal movements were analysed using repeated measure ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively.

Results

The results showed a significant decrease in SNC and BNC (10.94% and 7.69%, p < .05) at T1. However, SNC presented a significant recovery (11.73%, p < .05) at T2. NP, OP and HP segments presented significant and stable increases over time (10.41%, 53.62%, 24.70%, p < .05).

Conclusions

This surgical approach produced a significant increase in OP and HP volumes in short and long term without a significant relapse, NP showed a significant increase in long term only, SNC and BNC volumes showed a significant decrease post‐surgery which was only partially maintained for BNC.
A synthesis of biological invasion hypotheses associated with the introduction–naturalisation–invasion continuum
Authors: Daly Ella Z. , Chabrerie Olivier , Massol Francois , Facon Benoit , Hess Manon C.M. , Tasiemski Aurélie , Grandjean Frédéric , Chauvat Matthieu , Viard Frédérique , Forey Estelle , Folcher Laurent , Buisson Elise , Boivin Thomas , Baltora‐Rosset Sylvie , Ulmer Romain , Gibert Patricia , Thiébaut Gabrielle , Pantel Jelena H. , Heger Tina , Richardson David M. , Renault David
Published: January 2023

With the advent of the Anthropocene, biological invasions have reached an unprecedented level, and the number of species introductions is still increasing in an ever‐changing world. Despite major advances in invasion science, significant debate and lack of clarity remain surrounding the determinants of success of introduced species, the magnitude and dimensions of their impact, and the mechanisms sustaining successful invasions. Empirical studies show divergent impacts of alien populations on ecosystems and contrasting effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the dynamics of alien populations, which hinders the creation of a unified theory of biological invasions. Compounding these issues is the plethora of hypotheses that aim to explain invasion success, which can be unclear and contradictory. We propose a synthesis that categorizes hypotheses along a timeline of invasion. We sorted invasion hypotheses along the invasion timeline, and considered population, community and ecosystem levels. This temporal sorting of invasion concepts shows that each is relevant at a specific stage of the invasion. Although concepts and empirical findings on alien species may appear contradictory, when mapped onto an invasion timeline, they may be combined in a complementary way. An overall scheme is proposed to summarise the theoretical dynamics of ecosystems subjected to invasions. For any given case study, this framework provides a guide through the maze of theories and should help choose the appropriate concepts according to the stage of invasion.
Residual leak following left atrial appendage occlusion with lariat closed with amplatzer PFO occluder device
Authors: Bawa Danish , Ahmed Adnan , Darden Douglas , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: January 2023

Background

Leaks from incomplete ligation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) following closure with Lariat device are not uncommon and associated with higher stroke rate.

Clinical Vignette

This clinical vignette highlights a procedure of closure of residual leak following closure with Lariat device. There was a persistent central leak of 3–4 mm with bidirectional flow, confirmed on TEE. The Amplatzer Talisman PFO Occluder was chosen for the closure of the leak because of its asymmetric discs with a smaller distal disc and expandable waist.

Conclusion

In situations where the options are limited for PDL closure, such as the one described in this vignette, it is paramount to continue to find innovative solutions to emerging challenges in transcatheter interventions.
Serum positivity of serum anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A antibodies in Japanese children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kurasawa Shingo , Sado Tomomitsu , Kato Sawako , Iwaya Mai , Nakayama Yoshiko
Published: January 2023

Background

Serum anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A antibody (tTG‐IgA) is a screening test for celiac disease (CeD). In recent years, there have several reports of combined inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and CeD in children. The purposes of this study are to research the positivity of the tTG‐IgA antibody in Japanese children, and whether IBD and CeD co‐occur.

Methods

We examined tTG‐IgA as a screening test for CeD in symptomatic pediatric patients with IBD (cases) and those without IBD (controls, non‐IBD). Those with tTG‐IgA levels of 10 U/mL or higher were considered positive. All patients had routine biopsy specimens taken from the second part and bulbus of the duodenum, and were evaluated histologically based on the Marsh classification.

Results

Thirty‐one patients in the IBD group and 53 patients in the non‐IBD group were included. The tTG‐IgA was positive in five cases (5.9%) and median titer of positive cases was 12.3 U/mL (10.2–41.7). One patient in the IBD group (3.2%) and four patients in the non‐IBD group (7.8%) were positive for tTG‐IgA. No cases showed histological features of CeD. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, symptoms and laboratory tests between the tTG‐IgA positive and negative groups. Patients among the IBD and the non‐IBD groups that were tTG‐IgA positive demonstrated symptoms after wheat consumption.

Conclusions

We identified a patient who was positive for tTG‐IgA antibodies who experienced abdominal symptoms due to wheat ingestion, indicative of subclinical CeD. Further investigation is needed to clarify the co‐occurrence of IBD and CeD among Japanese children.
For Estrangement: Queerness, Blackness, and Unintelligibility
Authors: Ewara Eyo
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the stakes of ongoing conversations in areas of queer theory and black studies on the epistemological, ethical, and political role of unintelligibility. In line with longstanding philosophical questions about the value of aporia as gap or absence in or understanding, thinkers like Lee Edelman and Frank Wilderson III have articulated how black and queer people have regularly fallen into spaces of unintelligibility as they have run against given formations of the social world. These thinkers have theorized what this unintelligibility – what they will call this queerness or blackness – is other than an impetus for integration. The paper describes the dichotomy between two key positions in this conversation, resistance and refusal, suggesting these positions offer challenges better addressed through a conception of estrangement.
Photoisomerization of 1,2‐Di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene According to NMR and UV Spectroscopy Data and Density Functional Modeling
Authors: Shaidullina Amina F. , Sharipova Alsu R. , Volkov Michael Yu. , Savostina Liudmila I. , Gafiyatullin Linar G. , Turanova Olga A. , Turanov Alexander N.
Published: January 2023

Photoisomerization of 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene under UV irradiation was studied by NMR and UV spectroscopy in solutions of acetone, acetonitrile and chloroform. It has been established that in the studied solutions under irradiation, geometric photoisomerization occurs: the trans‐isomer transforms into the cis‐isomer and then cyclization occurs. DFT modeling of the listed processes, states and UV absorption spectra of the sample in an acetonitrile solution was performed.
Activated carbon seed technologies provide some protection to seedlings from the effects of post‐emergent herbicides
Authors: Munro Thomas P. , Ritchie Alison L. , Erickson Todd E. , Nimmo Dale G. , Price Jodi N.
Published: January 2023

Invasive plant species create barriers to native species' reestablishment after land degradation. Postemergent herbicides are preferred (over preemergent) for use in restoration as they are not expected to affect native seeds. However, recent studies found that postemergent herbicides can persist in soils and reduce native species' seed germination and seedling emergence. Activated carbon seed enhancement technologies (SETs) can protect seeds from preemergent herbicides but are untested with postemergent herbicides. We explored the effects of two postemergent herbicides, Roundup and Fusilade, on seedling emergence and health of five species native to Banksia Woodlands of Western Australia. We investigated if activated carbon SETs protect seeds and seedlings from any negative effects caused by herbicide application. A randomized block design was used, and herbicide applied to the soil after seeds (nonenhanced and enhanced with activated carbon SETs) were sown under field conditions. Roundup considerably reduced seedling emergence of Acacia pulchella, Banksia menziesii, and Eucalyptus todtiana, whereas Fusilade did not negatively affect emergence. Both herbicides considerably reduced seedling health for A. pulchella, B. menziesii, and E. todtiana. Activated carbon increased A. manglesii emergence in all treatments. Activated carbon also notably increased the percentage of healthy A. pulchella, B. menziesii, and E. todtiana seedlings in herbicide treatments, indicating that activated carbon can provide protection from postemergent herbicides applied to the soil before seedling emergence. Roundup and Fusilade should not be used in restoration when soil seed banks are the source of native seeds, and a time lag is required when direct seeding after herbicide application.