bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve entry points in the mimic musculature of the horse head
Authors: Wolschrijn C. F. , Smit I. H. , Schouten J. , Moller te N. C. R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFacial expressions are important in pain recognition in horses, but current observation‐based pain scales remain subjective. A promising technique to quantitatively measure subtle changes in expression patterns, including changes invisible to the human eye, is surface electromyography (sEMG). To achieve high‐quality and reliable sEMG signals, unilateral placement of bipolar electrodes is required in relation to the motor endplates (MEP). We aimed to localize the nerve entry points (NEPs; where the nerve branch first pierced the muscle belly) and the direction of the terminal nerve endings to estimate MEP locations of the innervating nerves in five equine facial muscles involved in pain expression. Three cadaveric Dutch Warmblood horse heads were dissected to identify the NEPs in the musculi caninus, levator anguli oculi medialis, nasolabialis, masseter and zygomaticus. These points were marked with pins and measured in relation to a reference line between two anatomical landmarks near the origin and insertion of the respective muscle. Relative distances were calculated from the most caudally situated landmark. NEPs were located at 33%–38% (caninus), 69%–86% (levator anguli oculi medialis) and 0%–18% (zygomaticus) from the caudal landmark. The nasolabialis showed two innervations zones. Its NEPs were located at 47%–72% (dorsal muscle branch) and 52%–91% (ventral branch). All terminal nerve endings were found to run in rostral direction. The masseter showed numerous NEPs diffusely spread within the muscle belly. Therefore, calculation of relative positions was not performed. These results could form the basis for feasibility studies and standardization of bipolar electrode positioning in vivo to measure facial muscle activity patterns in horses.
Safety and efficacy of biologic drugs in children or adolescents with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Felix de Farias Santos Ana Clara , Zamora Fernanda Valeriano , Galvao Lorhayne Kerly Capuchinho Scalioni , Pimenta Nicole dos Santos , Salles João Pedro Costa Esteves Almuinha , Heffel Kélen Klein 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChildren and adolescents suffering from moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) face a significant disease burden that greatly impacts their quality of life. Treatment options for AD are currently limited. To assess the safety and efficacy of biologic drugs, dupilumab, lebrikizumab, or tralokinumab, in improving outcomes in patients with moderate to severe inadequately controlled AD. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing dupilumab, lebrikizumab or tralokinumab to placebo in patients with AD. We computed odds ratios (ORs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), random effects model was used and a p‐value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. We analysed data into Review Manager 5.4. A total of five RCTs and 973 patients were included, of whom 592 were prescribed a biologic drug. Compared with placebo, patients receiving a biologic drug had a greater improvement, achieved an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 (OR 5.05; 95% CI 3.08–8.29), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75 (OR 6.87; 95% CI 4.71–10.02), EASI 50 (OR 8.89; 95% CI 6.18–12.78) and EASI 90 (8.30; 95% CI 4.81–14.31). The proportion of patients with 3 points or more (OR 6.56; 95% CI 4.34–9.90) or 4 points or more (OR 8.09; 95% CI 5.19–12.59) improvement from baseline in peak pruritus NRS was significantly higher with biologic drugs than placebo. There were no significant differences between groups regarding adverse events (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.58–1.07), and conjunctivitis (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.00–4.33). In this meta‐analysis, dupilumab, lebrikizumab, and tralokinumab have shown significant improvements in signs, symptoms and quality of life in children or adolescents with moderate to severe AD. Larger studies may be needed to continue evaluating the safety and efficacy of these biologic drugs in this patient population.
Rain, rain, go away: 194 potential exclusion‐restriction violations for studies using weather as an instrumental variable
Authors: Mellon Jonathan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInstrumental variable (IV) analysis relies on the exclusion restriction—that the instrument only affects the dependent variable via its relationship with the independent variable and not via other causal routes. However, scholars generally justify the exclusion restriction based on its plausibility. I propose a method for searching for additional violations implied by existing social science studies. I show that the use of weather to instrument different independent variables represents strong prima facie evidence of exclusion‐restriction violations for all weather‐IV studies. A review of 289 studies reveals 194 variables previously linked to weather: all representing potential exclusion‐restriction violations. Using sensitivity analysis, I show that the magnitude of many of these violations is sufficient to overturn numerous existing IV results. I conclude with practical steps to systematically review existing literature to identify and quantify possible exclusion‐restriction violations when using IV designs.
Mobile applications on app stores for deprescribing: A scoping review
Authors: Okati Lina , Lo Sarita , Gnjidic Danijela , Li Susan Jiayu , Thillainadesan Janani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDeprescribing is an evidence‐based intervention to reduce potentially inappropriate medication use. Yet its implementation faces barriers including inadequate resources, training and time. Mobile applications (apps) on app stores could address some barriers by offering educational content and interactive features for medication assessment and deprescribing guidance. A scoping review was undertaken to examine existing deprescribing apps, identifying features including interactive and artificial intelligence (AI) elements. A comprehensive search was conducted in August 2023 to identify mobile apps with deprescribing content within the Apple and Google Play Stores. The apps found were screened for inclusion, and data on their features were extracted. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Six deprescribing‐related apps were identified: the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria 2023, Dementia Training Australia Medications, Evidence‐Based Medicine Guide, Information Assessment Method Medical Guidelines, MedGPT‐Medical AI App, and Polypharmacy: Manage Medicines. These apps focused primarily on educating both patients/carers and healthcare professionals about deprescribing. Amongst them, two apps included interactive features, with one incorporating AI technology. While these features allowed for search queries and input of patient‐level details, the apps provided limited personalised deprescribing advice. In terms of quality, the apps scored highly on functionality and information, and poorly on engagement and aesthetics. This review found deprescribing apps, despite being educational, have limitations in personalization and user engagement. Future research should prioritize evaluating their feasibility and user experience in clinical settings, and further explore how AI and interactivity could enhance the usefulness of these apps for deprescribing practices.
Drop‐out rates in animal‐assisted psychotherapy – Results of a quantitative meta‐analysis
Authors: Seeger Linnea , Kübler Andrea , Hilger Kirsten 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionAnimal‐assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta‐analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop‐out rates in animal‐assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop‐out rate to across study drop‐out rates reported in meta‐analyses on conventional psychotherapy.MethodFifty‐seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta‐analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal‐assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop‐out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables.ResultsThe across study drop‐out rate in animal‐assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta‐analyses drop‐out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = −.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices.ConclusionDrop‐out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal‐assisted psychotherapy, this meta‐analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.
Irreversible electroporation of localised prostate cancer downregulates immune suppression and induces systemic anti‐tumour T‐cell activation – IRE‐IMMUNO study
Authors: Geboers Bart , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Jung Jason , Bakker Joyce , Timmer Florentine E.F. , Cerutti Xanthe , Katelaris Athos , Doan Paul , Gondoputro William , Blazevski Alexandar , Agrawal Shikha , Matthews Jayne , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Robertson Tim , Thompson James E. , Meijerink Martijn R. , Clark Susan J. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , Stricker Phillip D. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo prospectively compare systemic anti‐tumour immune responses induced by irreversible electroporation (IRE) and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with localised intermediate‐risk prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsBetween February 2021 and June 2022, before and after treatment (at 5, 14 and 30 days) peripheral blood samples of 30 patients with localised PCa were prospectively collected. Patient inclusion criteria were: International Society of Urological Pathologists Grade 2–3, clinical cancer stage ≤T2c, prostate‐specific antigen level <20 ng/mL). Patients were treated with IRE (n = 20) or RARP (n = 10). Frequency and activation status of lymphocytic and myeloid immune cell subsets were determined using flow cytometry. PCa‐specific T‐cell responses to prostatic acid phosphatase (PSAP) and cancer testis antigen (New York oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 [NY‐ESO‐1]) were determined by interferon‐γ enzyme‐linked immunospot assay (ELISpot). Repeated‐measures analysis of variance and two‐sided Student's t‐tests were used to compare immune responses over time and between treatment cohorts.ResultsPatient and tumour characteristics were similar between the cohorts except for age (median 68 years [IRE] and 62 years [RARP], P = 0.01). IRE induced depletion of systemic regulatory T cells (P = 0.0001) and a simultaneous increase in activated cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4)+ cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ (P < 0.001) and CD8+ (P = 0.032) T cells, consistent with reduction of systemic immune suppression allowing for effector T‐cell activation, peaking 14 days after IRE. Effects were positively correlated with tumour volume/ablation size. Accordingly, IRE induced expansion of PSAP and/or NY‐ESO‐1 specific T‐cell responses in four of the eight immune competent patients. Temporarily increased activated myeloid derived suppressor cell frequencies (P = 0.047) were consistent with transient immunosuppression after RARP.ConclusionsIrreversible electroporation induces a PCa‐specific systemic immune response in patients with localised PCa, aiding conversion of the tumour microenvironment into a more immune permissive state. Therapeutic efficacy might be further enhanced by combination with CTLA‐4 checkpoint inhibition, potentially opening up a new synergistic treatment paradigm for high‐risk localised or (oligo)metastatic disease.
Household assets and business cycle fluctuations
Authors: Miura Shogo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper shows that an increase in the ratio of household assets to gross domestic product (GDP) predicts higher GDP growth in the short term, but lower growth in the long term. It is also associated with lower consumption, investment, and employment rates in the future. The result is robust to controlling for various economic indicators including credit spreads, household debt to GDP ratio, and leverage ratio. Finally, we estimate a structural vector autoregressive model and find that an increase in the interest rate is associated with a decrease in the household assets to GDP ratio, in contrast to the findings of Galí and Gambetti (2015, American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 7(1), 233–257). This appears to support the conventional view of monetary policy.
Market integration effect on technological innovation empirical analysis: A novel concept
Authors: Luo Zhuo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn today's globalization and rapid technological development, market integration has an important impact on the competitiveness and innovation ability of enterprises. Market integration includes the integration of factor markets and goods markets, aiming to optimize resource allocation and expand market size, thus promoting economic growth and technological innovation. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of market integration on technological innovation. Using a two‐stage least‐squares (IV‐2SLS) model and combining the data of Chinese stock market and accounting research from 2012 to 2021, it is pointed out that market integration has a significant impact on innovation ability. Research shows that the integration of factor and goods markets promotes innovation through market expansion, innovation in emerging technologies, and increased competitiveness of firms. However, there are also differences in the way that region, type of enterprise ownership, and economic sector influence market integration innovation. Factor market integration effectively promotes technological innovation by reducing government intervention and optimizing resource allocation. The results of the study provide an important reference for enterprises to make strategic decisions, especially in the face of the different effects of market integration on innovation.
Unveiling hierarchy and spatial distribution of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation in World Health Organization grade 2–3 gliomas
Authors: Li Mingxiao , Liu Jiang , Weng Jiancong , Dong Gehong , Chen Xuzhu , Cui Yong , Ren Xiaohui , Shen Shaoping , Jiang Haihui , Zhang Xiaokang , Zhao Xuzhe , Li Ming , Wang Xijie , Ren Hongxiang , Li Qiang , Zhang Yulian , Cheng Quan , Yu Yanbing , Lin Song 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the role of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase promoter (MGMTp) methylation hierarchy and heterogeneity in grade 2–3 gliomas, focusing on variations in chemotherapy benefits and resection dependency. A cohort of 668 newly diagnosed grade 2–3 gliomas, with comprehensive clinical, radiological, and molecular data, formed the basis of this analysis. The extent of resection was categorized into gross total resection (GTR ≥100%), subtotal resection (STR >90%), and partial resection (PR ≤90%). MGMTp methylation levels were examined using quantitative pyrosequencing. Our findings highlighted the critical role of GTR in improving the prognosis for astrocytomas (IDH1/2‐mutant and 1p/19q non‐codeleted), contrasting with its lesser significance for oligodendrogliomas (IDH1/2 mutation and 1p/19q codeletion). Oligodendrogliomas demonstrated the highest average MGMTp methylation levels (median: 28%), with a predominant percentage of methylated cases (average methylation levels >20%). Astrocytomas were more common in the low‐methylated group (10%–20%), while IDH wild‐type gliomas were mostly unmethylated (<10%). Spatial distribution analysis revealed a decrement in frontal lobe involvement from methylated, low‐methylated to unmethylated cases (72.8%, 59.3%, and 47.8%, respectively). In contrast, low‐methylated and unmethylated cases were more likely to invade the temporal‐insular region (19.7%, 34.3%, and 40.4%, respectively). Astrocytomas with intermediate MGMTp methylation were notably associated with temporal‐insular involvement, potentially indicating a moderate response to temozolomide and underscoring the importance of aggressive resection strategies. In conclusion, our study elucidates the complex interplay of MGMTp methylation hierarchy and heterogeneity among grade 2–3 gliomas, providing insights into why astrocytomas and IDH wild‐type lower‐grade glioma might derive less benefit from chemotherapy.
Children consider informants' explanation quality with their social dominance in seeking novel explanations
Authors: Ma Shaocong , Cui Yixin K. , Wan Shan , Chen Eva E. , Corriveau Kathleen H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIdentifying high‐quality causal explanations is key to scientific understanding. This research (N = 202; 50% girls; M
age: 5.82 years; 64% Asian, 33% White, and 3% multiracial; data collected from 2018 to 2024) examined how explanation circularity and informants' social dominance impact children's learning preferences for causal explanations. Raised in a culture valuing circular logic, Chinese children still preferred non‐circular explanations and learning from informants providing non‐circular explanations (d ≥ 0.50). When informants with non‐circular explanations were subordinate to those with circular explanations, Chinese and American children preferred non‐circular over circular explanations (d = 1.10), but did not prefer learning new information from either informant. Although children weigh explanation quality over informant dominance when seeking explanations for given questions, they consider both cues when evaluating informants' credibility.
Obesity in European nursing homes participating in nutritionDay 2016–2021—Prevalence and resident characteristics
Authors: Galicia Ernst Isabel , Worf Isabella , Tarantino Silvia , Hiesmayr Michael , Volkert Dorothee 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe objective of this study is to assess obesity prevalence and characterize European nursing home (NH) residents with obesity comprehensively. Cross‐sectional nutritionDay data from 2016 to 2021. Descriptive characterization of European NH residents ≥65 years with and without obesity. Binomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with obesity. A total of 11 327 residents (73.8% female, 86.4 ± 7.9 years, mean body mass index 25.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2) from 12 countries were analysed. Obesity prevalence was 17.7%, mostly class I (13.0%). Taking ≥5 drugs/day (OR 1.633; 95% confidence intervals 1.358–1.972), female sex (1.591; 1.385–1.832), being bed/chair‐bound (1.357; 1.146–1.606), and having heart/circulation/lung disease (1.276; 1.124–1.448) was associated with increased obesity risk, older age (0.951; 0.944–0.958), mild (0.696; 0.601–0.805) and severe (0.591; 0.488–0.715) dementia, eating less than ¾ of lunch on nutritionDay (0.669; 0.563–0.793), needing assistance for eating (0.686; 0.569–0.825), and being identified by NH staff at risk for (0.312; 0.255–0.380) or with malnutrition (0.392; 0.236–0.619) decreased obesity risk. Almost one in five residents in European NH participating in nutritionDay is affected by obesity. Through a wide exploratory analysis, including data from 12 European countries, we confirmed previous findings and identified additional factors associated with obesity that should be considered in the daily care of affected residents.
Risk of developing high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or anal cancer after anal condylomata treatment in people living with HIV
Authors: Hewitt Austin , Kawak Samer , Yang Qiuyu , Stafford Linda Cherney , Bailey Howard H. , Striker Robert , Hayden Dana M. , Sanger Cristina B. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the risk and natural history of developing advanced anal disease after diagnosis of anal condyloma in people living with HIV (PLWH).MethodsThis was a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of PLWH and anal condyloma from 2001 to 2021. Patients who developed advanced anal disease (AAD; anal high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and/or anal cancer) were compared to those who did not progress (non‐AAD). We assessed the potential association between AAD and condyloma location, recurrence, and treatment modality. AAD‐free survival was calculated utilizing Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsA total of 118 PLWH and anal condyloma were included. Mean overall follow‐up time was 9.3 years. A total of 31% of patients developed AAD (n = 37). Average time to AAD from condyloma diagnosis was 5.6 years. On multivariate analysis, risk for AAD development was associated with perianal location of condyloma (OR 4.39, p = 0.038) and increased time from initial condyloma diagnosis (OR 1.12, p = 0.008). Higher CD4/CD8 ratios were associated with lower risk of AAD (OR 0.15, p = 0.029). Condyloma recurrence and treatment type were not associated with development of AAD. AAD‐free survival was longer in those with intra‐anal only condyloma versus those with either perianal disease alone or combined intra‐anal/perianal disease (mean survival times: 22.8 vs. 8.7 vs. 10.7 years, p = 0.017).ConclusionOur study demonstrates the need for careful, long‐term follow‐up of PLWH and condyloma, particularly in the setting of perianal disease and low CD4/CD8 ratio. Risk of anal disease progression is present even in the setting of condyloma regression following treatment.
Patient‐reported outcomes in diabetes‐related foot conditions: Is patient experience influenced by ethnicity? A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Highton Patrick , Jeffers Shavez , Butt Ayesha , O'Mahoney Lauren , Jenkins Sian , Abdala Ruksar , Haddon Louise , Gillies Clare , Curtis Ffion , Hadjiconstantinou Michelle , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsResearch in diabetes‐related foot conditions (DRFC) often focuses on ulcer‐related care, whilst the patient experience and influence of sociodemographic factors are under‐researched. This systematic review investigated patient‐reported outcomes and experience in people with DRFC.MethodsMultiple databases were searched from inception to 16 August 2023. All original articles that assessed any patient‐reported outcome or experience in DRFC and reported participant ethnicity were included. Data were synthesized using a sequential contingent approach. Study quality was assessed using study design‐specific tools.ResultsTwenty‐three studies were included (11 qualitative, 11 quantitative and one mixed‐methods). DRFC had a largely negative impact on various life dimensions, including social and daily life, work, emotional and psychological well‐being, necessitating dependence on others in the form of emotional, social and/or religious support, which were experienced differently by different groups. Patient DRFC knowledge and self‐care habits were typically suboptimal, and levels of hope and feeling of control over their condition varied between groups. Outcomes varied slightly between ethnicities across studies, with some ethnicity‐specific themes identified such as beliefs about disease cause and footwear habits. Quantitative and qualitative findings were mostly congruent.ConclusionsDRFC profoundly and negatively impacts patient‐reported outcomes and experience, with limited evidence suggesting an influence of ethnicity.