bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Justice and legal practice in early medieval Italy, ca. 700–900
Authors: Heil Michael W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis essay surveys the principle features of justice and legal practice in early medieval Italy as revealed in recent scholarship. It focuses on the Lombard (568–774) and Carolingian (774–888) periods, as well as the immediate post‐Carolingian period down to the year 900. It deals primarily with the justice of theplacita, or public court hearings, that have been the focus of most scholarship to date. It concludes with a brief consideration of other forms of justice and dispute settlement beyond theplacita.
Introduction: Transnational futures of international labour law
Authors: BLACKETT Adelle 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis Special Issue on transnational labour law is placed in the context of the ILO centenary and the challenge of achieving the objective of decent work in a new century, under distinct transnational pressures. The author argues that international labour law, as the normative core of transnational labour law, can play a crucial role – in conjunction with a wide range of actors and the ILO in its standard‐setting and convenor capacities – in addressing this challenge and in reshaping the transnational legal architecture.
Beyond CAR T cells: Engineered Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to fight solid tumors
Authors: Rafia Chirine , Harly Christelle , Scotet Emmanuel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDespite recent significant progress in cancer immunotherapies based on adoptive cell transfer(s)(ACT), the eradication of cancers still represents a major clinical challenge. In particular, the efficacy of current ACT‐based therapies against solid tumors is dramatically reduced by physical barriers that prevent tumor infiltration of adoptively transferred effectors, and the tumor environment that suppress their anti‐tumor functions. Novel immunotherapeutic strategies are thus needed to circumvent these issues. Human peripheral blood Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, a non‐alloreactive innate‐like T lymphocyte subset, recently proved to be a promising anti‐tumor effector subset for ACT‐based immunotherapies. Furthermore, new cell engineering tools that leverage the potential of CRISPR/Cas technology open astounding opportunities to optimize their anti‐tumor effector functions. In this review, we present the current ACT strategies based on engineered T cells and their limitations. We then discuss the potential of engineered Vγ9Vδ2 T cell to overcome these limitations and improve ACT‐based cancer immunotherapies.
Molar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH), dental fluorosis, and caries in rural areas with different fluoride levels in the drinking water
Authors: Fernandes Igor Cartaxo , Forte Franklin Delano Soares , Sampaio Fábio Correia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimThis study determined the prevalence of molar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and its association with dental fluorosis and caries in children living in rural areas in north‐eastern Brazil who are exposed to residual fluoride (F) levels in the drinking water.DesignA census was carried out with 610 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria, Thysltrup and Fejerskov index, and World Health Organization index were used for diagnosis of MIH, dental fluorosis, and caries detection, respectively. The association between the outcome and exposure variables was determined by robust Poisson regression (P < .05).ResultsWater F‐levels varied from 0.06 to 1.98 ppm. MIH was not related to fluoride levels in the drinking water, but it showed an inverse and direct correlation with dental caries and fluorosis, respectively. Children with MIH had a higher DMFT, and severe MIH cases were most frequent in children with dental fluorosis.ConclusionDrinking water F‐levels were not directly related to the occurrence of MIH in schoolchildren. The severity of MIH, however, was likely to be associated with dental fluorosis in areas with moderate to high fluoride levels in the drinking water.
STEM learning attitude predicts computational thinking skills among primary school students
Authors: Sun Lihui , Hu Linlin , Yang Weipeng , Zhou Danhua , Wang Xiaoqian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractComputational thinking (CT) plays a vital role in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, whether students' learning attitude towards STEM is related to their CT skills remains unknown. Two studies were conducted to address this knowledge gap. In Study 1, we validated a newly developed STEM learning attitude scale among a sample of Chinese primary school students (N = 489). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results revealed that the scale which consisted of three factors (mathematics, science and information technology) could sufficiently measure primary school students' STEM learning attitude in the current sample. In Study 2, we explored the association between students' STEM learning attitude and their CT skills. Evidence revealed that learning attitude towards STEM significantly predicted CT skills. We also found that girls had a more positive learning attitude towards STEM than boys, and the fourth grade might be the key period for the development of CT skills. Implications for promoting primary school students' STEM learning and CT skills were also discussed.
Sex‐based differences in procedural complications associated with atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Campbell Martin L. , Larson John , Farid Talha , Westerman Stacy , Lloyd Michael S. , Shah Anand D. , Leon Angel R. , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Merchant Faisal M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundWomen undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) have higher rates of vascular complications and major bleeding. However, most studies have been underpowered to detect differences in rarer complications such as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and procedural mortality.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of databases (PubMed, World of Science, and Embase) to identify studies published since 2010 reporting AFCA complications by sex. Six complications of interest were (1) vascular/groin complications; (2) pericardial effusion/tamponade; (3) stroke/TIA; (4) permanent phrenic nerve injury; (5) major bleeding; and (6) procedural mortality. For meta‐analysis, random effects models were used when heterogeneity between studies was ≥50% (vascular complications and major bleeding) and fixed effects models for other endpoints.ResultsOf 5716 citations, 19 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 244,353 patients undergoing AFCA, of whom 33% were women. Women were older (65.3 ± 11.2 vs. 60.4 ± 13.2 years), more likely hypertensive (60.6% vs. 55.5%) and diabetic (18.3% vs. 16.5%), and had higher CHA2DS2‐VASc scores (3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 1.4 ± 1.4) (p < .0001 for all comparisons). The rates of all six complications were significantly higher in women. However, despite statistically significant differences, the overall incidences of major complications were very low in both sexes: stroke/TIA (women 0.51% vs. men 0.39%) and procedural mortality (women 0.25% vs. men 0.19%).ConclusionWomen experience significantly higher rates of AFCA complications. However, the incidence of major procedural complications is very low in both sexes. The higher rate of complications in women may be partially attributable to older age and a higher prevalence of comorbidities at the time of ablation. More detailed studies are needed to better define the mechanisms of increased risk in women and to identify strategies for closing the sex gap.
Injectable conductive hydrogel restores conduction through ablated myocardium
Authors: van Zyl Martin , Pedrotty Dawn M. , Karabulut Erdem , Kuzmenko Volodymyr , Sämfors Sanna , Livia Christopher , Vaidya Vaibhav , Sugrue Alan , McLeod Christopher J. , Behfar Atta , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Gatenholm Paul , Kapa Suraj 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionTherapies for substrate‐related arrhythmias include ablation or drugs targeted at altering conductive properties or disruption of slow zones in heterogeneous myocardium. Conductive compounds such as carbon nanotubes may provide a novel personalizable therapy for arrhythmia treatment by allowing tissue homogenization.MethodsA nanocellulose carbon nanotube‐conductive hydrogel was developed to have conduction properties similar to normal myocardium. Ex vivo perfused canine hearts were studied. Electroanatomic activation mapping of the epicardial surface was performed at baseline, after radiofrequency ablation, and after uniform needle injections of the conductive hydrogel through the injured tissue. Gross histology was used to assess distribution of conductive hydrogel in the tissue.ResultsThe conductive hydrogel viscosity was optimized to decrease with increasing shear rate to allow expression through a syringe. The direct current conductivity under aqueous conduction was 4.3 × 10−1 S/cm. In four canine hearts, when compared with the homogeneous baseline conduction, isochronal maps demonstrated sequential myocardial activation with a shift in direction of activation to surround the edges of the ablated region. After injection of the conductive hydrogel, isochrones demonstrated conduction through the ablated tissue with activation restored through the ablated tissue. Gross specimen examination demonstrated retention of the hydrogel within the tissue.ConclusionsThis proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that conductive hydrogel can be injected into acutely disrupted myocardium to restore conduction. Future experiments should focus on evaluating long‐term retention and biocompatibility of the hydrogel through in vivo experimentation.
The effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of low‐sodium salts worldwide: An environmental scan protocol
Authors: Yin Xuejun , Liu Hueiming , Trieu Kathy , Webster Jacqui , Farrand Clare , Li Ka‐Chun , Pearson Sallie , Tian Maoyi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExcess sodium intake elevates blood pressure and risk for cardiovascular diseases. The use of low‐sodium salts is a potentially cost‐effective strategy to counter the rising global burden of cardiovascular diseases. This research aimed to understand the potential scale‐up of low‐sodium salt interventions by examining the availability of low‐sodium salts globally, synthesizing evidence about the effectiveness of low‐sodium salt interventions, and identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing low‐sodium salt interventions. This study consists of three parts. The first part is a systematic online search of low‐sodium salts. The authors will use the advanced search functions of search engines and online shopping sites to execute the search. The second part is a systematic review of academic literature on the use of low‐sodium salts. A meta‐analysis will be performed to quantify the effectiveness of low‐sodium salt interventions. The third part is key informant interviews to understand the challenges of implementing low‐sodium salt interventions. Key informants will include policymakers, academic researchers, and salt industry representatives. The list of key informants will be generated through purposive sampling and snowball sampling based on the completed online search and the systematic review. The interview guides will be developed based on the RE‐AIM (Reach, Effective, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. The study received ethics approval from the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel (HC190921). Findings will be disseminated with academics and policymakers through a peer‐reviewed journal and conference presentations.
Home blood pressure monitoring in France: Device possession rate and associated determinants, the Esteban study
Authors: Vallée Alexandre , Gabet Amélie , Grave Clémence , Lelong Hélène , Blacher Jacques , Olié Valérie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHome blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is increasingly being promoted in hypertension guidelines to improve hypertension management. Possessing a HBPM device could improve blood pressure (BP) control and prognostic impact. The aims of this study were to estimate the possession rate of HBPM devices in the French population and in hypertensive adults, and to investigate the determinants of possessing such devices at home. Cross‐sectional analyses were performed using data from the Esteban survey, which comprised a representative sample of the French population. Among the 2,054 study participants, 673 had hypertension. Of these, 385 were aware they had it. Weighted logistic regressions were performed to investigate the factors (socioeconomic, clinical, drug treatment, and healthcare visits) associated with possessing a HBPM device. 20.9% of the study sample, 42.1% of those with hypertension, and 54% of those aware of their hypertension, possessed a HBPM device. Female gender (OR = 2.03, 95%CI [1.46; 2.60]), smoking (OR = 2.33, 95%CI [1.51; 3.15]), antihypertensive drugs (OR = 1.75, 95%CI [1.06; 2.44]), general practitioner (GP) visits (OR = 3.28, 95%CI [1.84; 4.68]), and diabetes (OR = 0.41 95% CI [0.14; 0.68]) were associated with possessing a HBPM device among those aware of their hypertension. Over 20% of the study population possessed a HBPM device at home. This proportion rose to one in two in those aware or their hypertension. Among the latter, possessing a device was positively associated with female gender, GP visits, and antihypertensive drug use. Increasing possession of HBPM devices in the hypertensive population could foster better management of the condition.
Prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and factors associated with it in Indian women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kubihal Suraj , Gupta Yashdeep , Shalimar  , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Goyal Alpesh , Kalaivani Mani , Goyal Ankur , Kedia Saurabh , Kachhawa Garima , Ambekar Samita , Bhatia Divya , Garg Vineeta , Gupta Nandita , Tandon Nikhil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis study aims to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Indian women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study (2018–2019) enrolled women with and without prior GDM. Study participants underwent detailed assessments, including relevant medical, obstetric and demographic details; 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin estimation at 0, 30 and 120 min; and other relevant biochemical and anthropometric measurements. NAFLD status was defined by ultrasonography.ResultsWe evaluated a total of 309 women (201 and 108 with and without prior GDM, respectively) at a mean age of 31.9 ± 5.0 years and median of 16 months (interquartile range 9–38 months) following the index delivery. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in women with prior GDM (62.7% vs 50.0%, P = 0.038; grade 2 and 3 disease, 13.9% vs 6.5%). On logistic regression analysis (fully adjusted model), the odds of NAFLD were 2.11‐fold higher in women with prior GDM (95% confidence interval 1.16–3.85, P = 0.014). Overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (a measure of insulin resistance) were positively associated with NAFLD, whereas the Matsuda index (a measure of insulin sensitivity) showed a negative association with NAFLD.ConclusionsThe prevalence of NAFLD is high in women with prior GDM. Such women also have a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors. Future studies should evaluate the intermediate and long‐term hepatic and cardiovascular risk, and the impact of lifestyle interventions in reducing morbidity in such women.
Non‐Esterified Fatty Acids and Risks of Frailty, Disability, and Mobility Limitation in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Ahiawodzi Peter , Djousse Luc , Ix Joachim H. , Kizer Jorge R. , Tracy Russell P. , Arnold Alice , Newman Anne , Mukamal Kenneth J. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESNon‐esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) play central roles in the relationship between adiposity and glucose metabolism, and they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, but few studies have assessed their effects on complex geriatric syndromes like frailty that cross multiple organ systems. We sought to determine the relationships between NEFAs and incident frailty, disability, and mobility limitation in a population‐based cohort of older persons.METHODSWe analyzed 4,710 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) participants who underwent measurement of circulating total fasting NEFAs in 1992–1993 and were assessed for frailty in 1996–1997 and for disability and mobility limitation annually. We used ordinal logistic regression to model incident frailty, linear regression to model components of frailty, and Cox regression to model disability and mobility limitation in relation to baseline NEFAs. To ensure proportional hazards, we truncated follow‐up at 9 years for disability and 6.5 years for mobility limitation.RESULTSA total of 42 participants became frail and 510 became pre‐frail over a 4‐year period, and we documented 1,720 cases of disability and 1,225 cases of mobility limitation during follow‐up. NEFAs were positively associated in a dose‐dependent manner with higher risks of incident frailty, disability, and mobility limitation. The adjusted odds ratios for frailty were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.86; P = .04) across extreme tertiles and 1.17 (95% CI = 1.03–1.33; P = .01) per standard deviation increment. The corresponding hazard ratios for incident disability were 1.14 (95% CI = 1.01–1.30; P = .04) and 1.11 (95% CI = 1.06–1.17; P < .0001); those for incident mobility limitation were 1.23 (95% CI = 1.06–1.43; P = .006) and 1.15 (95% CI = 1.08–1.22; P < .0001). Results were largely consistent among both men and women. Among individual components of frailty, NEFAs were significantly associated with self‐reported exhaustion (β = .07; standard error = .03; P = .02).CONCLUSIONCirculating NEFAs are significantly associated with frailty, disability, and mobility limitation among older adults. These results highlight the broad spectrum of adverse health issues associated with NEFA in older adults.
Social Isolation and Loneliness Among San Francisco Bay Area Older Adults During the COVID‐19 Shelter‐in‐Place Orders
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin A. , Holt‐Lunstad Julianne , Newmark Rebecca L. , Cenzer Irena , Smith Alexander K. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Escueta Danielle P. , Lee Jina M. , Perissinotto Carla M. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESPhysical distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have unintended, detrimental effects on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Our objectives were to investigate (1) experiences of social isolation and loneliness during shelter‐in‐place orders, and (2) unmet health needs related to changes in social interactions.DESIGNMixed‐methods longitudinal phone‐based survey administered every 2 weeks.SETTINGTwo community sites and an academic geriatrics outpatient clinical practice.PARTICIPANTSA total of 151 community‐dwelling older adults.MEASUREMENTSWe measured social isolation using a six‐item modified Duke Social Support Index, social interaction subscale, that included assessments of video‐based and Internet‐based socializing. Measures of loneliness included self‐reported worsened loneliness due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and loneliness severity based on the three‐item University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Participants were invited to share open‐ended comments about their social experiences.RESULTSParticipants were on average aged 75 years (standard deviation = 10), 50% had hearing or vision impairment, 64% lived alone, and 26% had difficulty bathing. Participants reported social isolation in 40% of interviews, 76% reported minimal video‐based socializing, and 42% minimal Internet‐based socializing. Socially isolated participants reported difficulty finding help with functional needs including bathing (20% vs 55%; P = .04). More than half (54%) of the participants reported worsened loneliness due to COVID‐19 that was associated with worsened depression (62% vs 9%; P < .001) and anxiety (57% vs 9%; P < .001). Rates of loneliness improved on average by time since shelter‐in‐place orders (4–6 weeks: 46% vs 13–15 weeks: 27%; P = .009), however, loneliness persisted or worsened for a subgroup of participants. Open‐ended responses revealed challenges faced by the subgroup experiencing persistent loneliness including poor emotional coping and discomfort with new technologies.CONCLUSIONMany older adults are adjusting to COVID‐19 restrictions since the start of shelter‐in‐place orders. Additional steps are critically needed to address the psychological suffering and unmet medical needs of those with persistent loneliness or barriers to technology‐based social interaction.
Relationship between stressors, stress reactions and hardiness in Japanese mothers of early neonatal babies: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Konno Kazuho 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimMothers of early neonatal babies are often in stressful situations. The stress of child rearing has been reported to influence the mental health of mothers. Hardiness, one of the individual factors affecting the cognitive evaluation of stress, may relate to stress for mothers of early neonatal babies. The aim of the present study is to clarify the relationship between stressors, stress reactions and hardiness of mothers with early neonatal babies.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study using self‐administered questionnaires. Survey items included demographic characteristics, hardiness, stressors, and stress reactions. A total of 226 mothers returned the completed questionnaire. Data analyzed correlation, t tests and multiple regression using SPSS 24.0.ResultsThe mothers' hardiness was not related to their demographic characteristics. Hardiness had a negative correlation with stressors and stress reactions. Hardiness mitigated especially anxiety/uncertainty and depression/feeling of insufficiency. Compared with those with high levels of hardiness, mothers with low hardiness exhibited higher levels of newborn baby stressors, breast‐feeding stressors, anxiety/uncertainty and depression/feeling of insufficiency.ConclusionHardiness showed a buffering relationship with stressors and stress reactions, especially anxiety. Understanding hardiness levels may be useful for choosing which nursing care methods are implemented as each mother begins child rearing.