bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomedical moral enhancement for psychopaths
Authors: Yoon Junsik 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study examines the ethical permissibility of biomedical moral enhancement (BME) for psychopaths, considering both coercive and voluntary approaches. To do so, I will first briefly explain what psychopaths are and some normative implications of these facts. I will then ethically examine three scenarios of BME for psychopaths: (1) coercive BME for non‐criminal psychopaths, (2) coercive BME for psychopathic offenders, and (3) voluntary BME for psychopathic offenders. I will argue that coercive BME for non‐criminal psychopaths is ethically problematic due to issues of cost, invasion of privacy, and stigmatic effects of compulsory diagnosis. Similarly, I will argue that coercive BME for criminals is impermissible due to violations of the rights to bodily and mental integrity. However, I will show that voluntary BME for offenders may be ethically permissible under certain conditions, challenging the critique that the consent of vulnerable prisoners cannot be considered fully voluntary. I argue that when an offender is provided with sufficient medical and legal information, incentives such as the possibility of parole review based on BME results do not preclude the voluntariness of consent. Ultimately, I aim to advance the debate on BME for psychopaths by delineating and defending conditions for the ethical permissibility of voluntary BME.
Memantine treatment in sickle cell disease: A 1‐year study of its effects on cognitive functions and neural processing
Authors: Raz Sivan , Koren Ariel , Bogdanova Anna Yu. , Gassmann Max , Levin Carina 
Published: November 2024

SummaryThis study evaluates the neurocognitive and electrophysiological effects of 1‐year memantine treatment in 14 adolescents and young adults (mean age 24 years) with sickle cell disease (SCD, incluing sickle cell anaemia and sickle cell β‐thalassemia), hypothesizing improvements in cognitive functions and neural processing. Participants underwent assessments using subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and a computerized task‐switching paradigm with concurrent event‐related potential (ERP) recordings, both before and after the treatment period. Assessments focused on processing speed, working memory, attention and executive function. ERP measurements targeted brain response changes during task switching. Memantine treatment enhanced cognitive test performance, especially in processing speed as shown by the Digit–Symbol Coding and Symbol‐Search tests. Results indicated improved visuospatial and graphomotor speed, working memory and attention. The task‐switching test revealed reduced error rates, suggesting decreased cognitive load and enhanced executive control. Electrophysiological changes in P1 and P3 amplitudes at frontal and parietal locations post‐treatment pointed to more efficient neural processing in tasks requiring cognitive flexibility. These preliminary findings from a Phase II clinical study serve as a ‘proof of concept’, exploring the feasibility and potential effectiveness of memantine treatment in SCD—a previously uninvestigated context. They support the rationale for more extensive investigations to confirm these results and assess memantine's broader effectiveness.
Feasibility of plasma proteomics in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kapur Rick 
Published: November 2024

ITP is an acquired autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by an isolated thrombocytopenia. The pathophysiology is highly multifactorial and involves antibody‐ and/or cytotoxic T cell‐mediated killing of platelets and disruption of megakaryocyte function hampering platelet production. ITP remains a diagnosis of exclusion, and due to the high degree of variability between patients, it remains challenging to predict disease courses and responses to therapeutic agents. Hence, diagnostic and therapeutic laboratory biomarkers are highly warranted. To address this issue, in their paper, Jiang and colleagues have performed plasma proteomics in ITP patients (n = 40), in comparison to patients with thrombocytopenia due to other causes than ITP (non‐ITP thrombocytopenia, n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 18). The data underscore that patients with ITP have a distinct plasma proteomic signature compared to non‐ITP thrombocytopenia patients and healthy individuals. The findings should be further validated and investigated but suggest that the application of plasma proteomics is feasible and promising with respect to the search for potential biomarkers in patients with ITP.Commentary on: Jiang et al. Targeted proteomics profiling reveals valuable biomarkers in the diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:133‐143.
Examination of dental utilization of newly resettled adult refugees in Washington state enrolled in dental medicaid program
Authors: Seminario Ana Lucia , Tabatabaiepur Sogole , Wang Yan , Okunseri Christopher , Weatherspoon Darien J. , Roberts Frank 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess dental utilization of resettled adult refugees in Washington (WA) state and the demographic factors associated with dental utilization.MethodsData were collected between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015 for newly arrived adult refugees (>21 years) enrolled in Washington State dental Medicaid program. Three state agencies provided enrollment and claims data that included demographic information as well as number and types of dental claims, and time to first dental claim for the newly resettled adult refugee population.ResultsA total of 1294 adult refugees resettled in WA State in 2015. Approximately, 67% were aged 21–39 years and 32.4% White race and 93.9% without any disability. Over half (57%) of adult refugees had at least one dental claim within 12 months, and the median time to first dental utilization was 4.1 months [IQR:2.4–6.8]. Black refugees had a 74% greater chance of a first dental claim within 12 months of resettlement compared to White refugees (p < .001), and people from countries with high volume of refugees also had a 31% greater chance than those from countries with low volume of refugees (p = .005).ConclusionsOver half of all the adult refugees resettled in WA utilized dental services within 12 months of arrival. Understanding the mosaic of demographic backgrounds of newly resettled refugees in any given state will improve early utilization of dental care needs and therefore improve their oral health.
Communities of Practice Support Implementation of Power to Kids in Residential Care: The EMBED Model
Authors: McKibbin Gemma , Lynch Olivia , Bornemisza Anna , Green Rachel , Humphreys Cathy 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTChildren and young people in residential care continue to experience significant harmful sexual behaviour, dating violence and child sexual exploitation. Power to Kids is a programme developed in Australia to prevent and respond to these forms of abuse for this cohort. The aim of the study was to explore how a Communities of Practice initiative could further support the implementation of the Power to Kids programme in the residential care practice of a community service organisation. Qualitative data were collected through feedback loops (n = 12) with residential carers and senior staff and focus groups (n = 4). Quantitative data were collected through two surveys (n = 89) and (n = 46). The data revealed inductively the EMBED model: Executive commitment to Communities of Practice, Members of Communities of Practice engage with content, Becoming part of everyday practice, Enhanced knowledge of sexual health and safety and Decline in going missing and better relationships. Findings suggest that a Community of Practice approach to implementing Power to Kids is promising in embedding the sexual health and safety programme.
Border‐Associated Macrophages: From Embryogenesis to Immune Regulation
Authors: Zhan Tiantong , Tian Sixuan , Chen Sheng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBorder‐associated macrophages (BAMs) play a pivotal role in maintaining brain homeostasis and responding to pathological conditions. Understanding their origins, characteristics, and roles in both healthy and diseased brains is crucial for advancing our knowledge of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. This review addresses the ontogeny, replenishment, microenvironmental regulation, and transcriptomic heterogeneity of BAMs, highlighting recent advancements in lineage tracing and fate‐mapping studies. Furthermore, we examine the roles of BAMs in maintaining brain homeostasis, immune surveillance, and responses to injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is crucial to clarify the dynamic interplay between BAMs and the brain's microenvironment in health and disease. This effort will not only resolve existing controversies but also reveal new therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, pushing the boundaries of neuroscience.
Sensor‐derived glycaemic metrics in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes randomised to faster acting insulin aspart or insulin aspart—A secondary analysis of the CopenFast trial
Authors: Søholm Julie C. , Nørgaard Sidse K. , Nørgaard Kirsten , Clausen Tine D. , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Ringholm Lene 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsWe compared sensor‐derived glycaemic metrics in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) randomised to faster acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) or insulin aspart (IAsp).MethodsA pre‐planned secondary analysis of the CopenFast trial included women with T1D using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) during pregnancy. Glycaemic metrics, including time in range (TIRp, 3.5–7.8 mmol/L) and time below range in pregnancy (TBRp, <3.5 mmol/L), were evaluated in the intervals: from randomisation (median 9.5 weeks, interquartile range 9.0–11.0) to 21 weeks, from 22 to 33 weeks and from 34 to 37 weeks.ResultsIn total, 113 (91%) of 124 women using isCGM in the original trial were included. At randomisation, glycaemic metrics were comparable in both groups. Women randomised to faster aspart achieved higher TIRp from 22 to 33 weeks (estimated treatment difference 5.1% [95% confidence interval 0.3; 9.7], p = 0.04) and mean TIRp >70% from randomisation to 21 weeks onwards, while this was achieved after 34 weeks in women randomised to IAsp. TBRp remained stable around 4% throughout pregnancy in both groups. One (2%) versus 5 (9%) experienced ≥1 severe hypoglycaemic event (odds ratio 0.93 [−0.2; −0.01], p = 0.04). Infant birthweight standard deviation score was lower in the faster aspart group (estimated treatment difference −0.5 [−0.9; −0.03], p = 0.04); however, this attenuated when adjusting for parity (p = 0.10).ConclusionsWomen using faster aspart achieved more TIRp and experienced less severe hypoglycaemia compared to women using IAsp. Infant birthweight was lower and thereby more appropriate in the faster aspart group; however, this attenuated when adjusting for parity.
The impact of metabolic heterogeneity of obesity and transitions on cardiovascular disease incidence in Chinese middle‐aged and elderly population: A nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: He Qiang , Zheng Rujie , Song Wenjuan , Sun Xiaotong , Lu Chengzhi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies indicated that metabolic heterogeneity of obesity would affect the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the alterations in CVD risk associated with transitions between various metabolic health statuses influenced by obesity status remain unclear.MethodsWe utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a longitudinal cohort study involving Chinese residents aged 45 years and older. Baseline data were collected in 2011–2012, with follow‐up surveys conducted up to 2020. Participants in the study were categorized into four body mass index–metabolic phenotypes: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUOO). Transitions in these phenotypes over 4 years were analysed. Cox regression models were used to assess the associations of these phenotypes and their transitions with CVD incidence.ResultsAmong 7721 participants, 1353 (17.5%) developed CVD during the follow‐up period. Both overweight/obese and metabolically unhealthy statuses were associated with increased CVD risk. The highest risk was observed in the MUOO group (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–2.09, p < 0.0001), followed by the MUNW (HR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.66, p < 0.001) and MHOO (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.08–1.56, p = 0.002) groups compared to the MHNW group. The deteriorations of obesity and metabolic health status elevated the incidence of CVD, whereas improvements in these statuses reduced the risk of CVD. Additionally, alterations in metabolic health status conferred greater benefits in overweight/obese individuals compared to those with normal weight.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of maintaining and promoting metabolic health, particularly in overweight/obese individuals, to reduce CVD risk. Metabolic health status plays a more crucial role than obesity status in predicting CVD incidence.
Effect of brackish water inundation on temperate coastal acid sulfate soils under different vegetation types
Authors: Xu Chang , Ram Rahul , Wong Vanessa N. L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCoastal wetland soils are frequently underlain by sulfidic materials. Sea level fluctuations can lead to oxidation of sulfidic materials in acid sulfate soils (ASS) and increased acidity which mobilises trace metals when water levels are low, and inundation of coastal wetland soils and reformation of sulfidic materials when water levels are high. We measured the effect of surface water level fluctuations in soils from coastal wetland sites under four different vegetation types: Apium gravedens (AG), Leptospermum lanigerum (LL), Phragmites australis (PA) and Paspalum distichum (PD) on an estuarine floodplain in southern Australia. We assessed effects of fluctuating water levels on reduced inorganic sulfur (RIS) in terms of acid volatile sulfide (AVS), chromium reducible sulfur (CRS) and trace metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Ni). Intact soil cores were incubated under dry, flooded and wet–dry cycle treatments of 14 days for a total of 56 days. The flooded treatment increased RIS concentrations in most depths in the AG, PA and PD sites. Lower CRS concentrations occurred in all sites in the dry treatment due to oxidation of sulfidic materials when the surface layer was exposed to lower water levels. CRS was positively correlated with SOC in all treatments. The highest net acidity occurred in the dry treatment and lowest occurred in the flooded treatment in most sites. Inundation with seawater caused SO42− reduction and decreased soluble Fe in the PA and PD sites. General decreases in Al, Zn and Ni concentrations in flooded treatments may have been due to adsorption onto colloids or co‐precipitation with slight increases in pH. SO42− concentrations decreased in the LL, PA and PD sites in the flooded treatment due to reformation of pyrite. In general, accumulation of RIS in soils under different vegetation types following brackish water inundation varied according to vegetation type, which may be linked to differences in organic material input and particle size distribution. Geochemical characteristics reflected whether oxidation or reduction processes dominated at each site in the wet–dry cycle treatments, with oxidation dominating in the LL and PA sites and reduction dominating in the AG and PD sites. This is likely due to more readily decomposable organic matter forming sulfidic materials during short periods of inundation.
Futile attempts to remake the world: Wars in the North Caucasus and refugee masculinities in Poland
Authors: Sipos Michal 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study describes the lived experience of an Ingush refugee man to examine how wars in the North Caucasus became a part of his daily life. Concentrating on individual life, the study discusses a gendered “recovery” pattern among Chechen and Ingush asylum‐seeking men who were encamped in Poland between 2007 and 2009. The study shows how attempts to remake the world reproduced trauma while fostering the perception that the ongoing life aligns with the prevailing gender ideology in the sending societies. The recovery process was hindered owing to protracted precariousness and uncertainty. When displaced men fail to remake the world at collective centers for refugees, they may become detached from life in a way that supports the formation of novel forms of sociality. The study's findings may reverberate to the present political and socioeconomic landscape, where multiple crises impact the subjectivity and autonomy of refugees.
New ways to repurpose salmeterol in an animal model of fibromyalgia
Authors: Shafiek Mena Z. , Zaki Hala F. , Mohamed Ahmed F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of pervasive chronic pain accompanied by low mood, sleep disorders, and cognitive decline. The dysfunction of central pain processing systems along with neurotransmitter disturbances are possible contributing mechanisms. Genetic polymorphism of the 𝛽2 adrenergic receptors is reported in FM patients. It is reported that chronic β2 agonists administration is effective for neuropathic pain alleviation. No current information, however, exists on their potential to alleviate nociplastic pain, such as FM. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to examine salmeterol's potential antiallodynic effects in experimentally produced FM and explore some of the possible contributing mechanisms.MethodsThirty rats are allocated into three groups (n = 10): a normal group, a reserpine group that received reserpine (1 mg/kg; s.c.) for 3 days, and a reserpine + salmeterol group that received salmeterol (1 mg/kg; i.p.) for 21 consecutive days following last reserpine injection.ResultsReserpine administration resulted in behavioral and biochemical changes consistent with FM, including thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, depressive behavior, and motor incoordination. This is coupled with disturbed spinal monoamine levels, depressed cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, disturbed mitochondrial function/dynamics, and compromised blood‐nerve barrier integrity. Treatment with salmeterol conceivably reversed these effects.Conclusionβ2 receptor agonists such as salmeterol could be regarded as a promising strategy for the management of FM.
Bounded support: Success and limitations of liquidity support during times of crisis
Authors: Lynch John , Ogden Richard 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOur paper sheds light on the complexity of liquidity injection programs by showing unintended consequences that arise when firm heterogeneity is overlooked. Utilizing firm‐level data from the Paycheck Protection Program, we find government lending effectively reduced closures, particularly if received during the first two weeks. However, we find significant heterogeneity in the effectiveness of funds, resulting from broad‐brush eligibility guidelines and differences in how firms process information. The implementation relied on the banking system, which exacerbated the distributional effects by favoring firms with stronger customer capital. Our findings highlight the importance of thoughtful liquidity distribution design to maximize its benefits.
Viral rebound on antiretroviral therapy in France according to region of origin, sex, and HIV acquisition group. Results from the French Hospital Database on HIV (ANRS CO4‐FHDH)
Authors: Abgrall S. , Selinger‐Leneman H. , Lanoy E. , Becker A. , Matheron S. , de Truchis P. , Pavie J. , Canestri A. , Khuong M. A. , Rey D. , Caby F. , Tattevin P. , Palich R. , Grabar S. ,   ANRS CO4‐FHDH
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssessing the potential increased risk of viral rebound (VR) in migrants requires adequate control for sex and acquisition risk groups.MethodsPeople living with HIV1, enrolled in the ANRS CO4‐French Hospital Database on HIV, who achieved virological suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated between 2006 and 2016 were included. We first compared the risk of VR, with loss to follow‐up and death considered as competing events, across origin among the HIV acquisition groups, then across acquisition groups among the different origins, and finally across modality of a variable combining sex, acquisition group, and origin. Models were adjusted for clinical and biological confounding factors.ResultsWe included 21 571 French natives (FRA), 10 148 migrants from sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), 1137 migrants from the non‐French West Indies (NFWI), and 4205 other migrants (OTHER). The 5‐year probability of VR was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19–20) overall, 15% in FRA, 21% in OTHER, 26% in SSA, and 34% in NFWI (p < 0.0001). It was 14% in men who have sex with men (MSM), 23% in heterosexual men, and 23% in women (p < 0.0001). After adjustment, all acquisition groups had a higher risk of VR than MSM from FRA, with men and women from NFWI having the highest risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.46; 95% CI 2.12–2.86 and aHR 2.59; 95% CI 2.20–3.04, respectively). Within each acquisition group, all groups of origin had a higher risk of VR than FRA. Within each region of origin, except the NFWI, heterosexual men had a higher risk of VR than MSM.ConclusionsAfter accounting for sex and acquisition group, migration, especially from NFWI, remains prognostic of VR.
Development of a Predictive Model for Chewing Difficulty Using EuroQol‐5 Dimension Among Korean Older Adults
Authors: Kim Han‐Nah , Kim Nam‐Hee 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesWe aimed to develop a predictive model for chewing difficulty using the EuroQol‐5 dimension measure (EQ‐5D).MethodsWe included 6643 individuals aged ≥ 65 years (mean age: 72.6 ± 4.96 years; women: 3761 [56.6%]) who had completed the sixth (2013–2015) and seventh (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The participants were further divided into young‐old (65–74 years) and old‐old (≥ 75 years) adults. Data from the sixth KNHANES were used to establish an internal validation model (overall, young‐old and old‐old adult populations were 3472, 2271 and 1201, respectively). Data from the seventh KNHANES were used to establish an external validation model (overall, young‐old and old‐old adult populations were 3171, 1879 and 1292 participants, respectively). We evaluated chewing difficulty using the EQ‐5D (Model 1) and comparative models, subjective oral health status indicators (SOHSI) and objective oral health status indicators (OOHSI).ResultsCompared with SOHSI and OOHSI, EQ‐5D showed similar predictive utility for chewing difficulty in both the internal and external validation models.ConclusionsEffect sizes, quantified using Cohen's d, indicated that EQ‐5D parameters had a moderate impact on the prediction accuracy for chewing difficulties.