bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Constipation: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management
Authors: Kilgore Alexandra , Khlevner Julie 
Published: June 2024

SummaryBackgroundFunctional constipation (FC), a disorder of the gut–brain interaction of multifactorial pathophysiology that is prevalent in paediatrics. It is associated with bothersome symptoms, increased healthcare costs, disgruntled caregivers and impaired health‐related quality of life. Paediatric FC is a clinical diagnosis based on the Rome IV criteria and is characterised by decreased bowel movement frequency and/or hard, painful stools and can be complicated by retentive faecal incontinence. Stressful life events, difficult temperaments and emotional and behavioural challenges have been implicated in increasing risk of developing paediatric FC.AimsTo provide current concepts in pathophysiology, evaluation and management of paediatric FC.MethodsWe reviewed pertinent literature after a comprehensive search utilising PubMed with keywords FC, chronic childhood constipation and paediatric FC.ResultsIn the last decade, advances in our understanding of paediatric FC have changed the landscape of diagnosing and treating this disorder. Although polyethylene glycol is the first‐line treatment for maintenance of FC, the armamentarium of therapeutics has expanded including the first Food and Drug Administration‐ agent, linaclotide, for children 6–17 years of age in conjunction with more emphasis on behavioural and physical therapy interventions.ConclusionsTreatment approach to paediatric FC should be individualised and integrated focusing on parental education, lifestyle and behavioural modifications, and pharmacological therapy to maximise therapeutic success. This review highlights advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of FC in children.
Editorial: Reading the cholate – A new gateway to portal hypertension and oesophageal varices
Authors: Minciuna Iulia , Stefanescu Horia 
Published: June 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Hassanein et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18054 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18128.
The overlap with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease negatively affects outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez María , Riado Daniel , Pena Eva , Méndez Carmen , Pinedo Fernando , Ramos Paloma , Castillo Pilar , Romero Miriam , Fernández‐Rodríguez Conrado , Olveira Antonio 
Published: June 2024

SummaryBackground and AimsThe relationship between primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, and its impact on treatment response and prognosis, remains underexplored.MethodsPatient cohort from two centres comprising long‐term follow‐up data. All patients had histologically confirmed PBC. Biopsies were classified according to Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network. Diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease was established when steatosis exceeded 5%, along with at least one metabolic risk factor. Patients with specific aetiologies of steatosis, other liver diseases, incomplete results and inadequate treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Data from patients initiating second‐line treatment were censored. Treatment response was assessed using the Toronto, Paris II and AST‐to‐platelet at 12‐month criteria. The UK PBC and Globe scores, and liver events were utilized as outcome measures.ResultsThe study included 129 patients, 36 showing histologically confirmed overlap between PBC and steatosis. Patients with overlap showed worse prognosis according to Paris II (61.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.004), Toronto (52.5% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.002), AST‐to‐platelet 12‐month >0.54 (36.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.021), Globe >0.30 (49.2% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.033) and UK PBC at 5, 10 and 15 years (p ≤ 0.001). Liver‐related mortality and liver transplant were more prevalent in the overlap group (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, steatosis, dyslipidaemia and advanced fibrosis were independently associated to worse outcomes.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease worsens the prognosis of PBC.
A cross‐cultural study of children's graphic representations of men‐ and women‐dominated occupations
Authors: Vivaldi Romina A. , Rose Sarah E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOccupational gender stereotypes develop from early age and contribute to occupational gender imbalance. Previous research used questionnaires or interviews to investigate children's explicit stereotypes and where drawings have been used, mostly men‐dominated occupations have been considered. This study used drawings and interviews to assess implicit stereotypes of both men and women‐dominated occupations and whether children's sex, age and cultural background predicted these stereotypes. Two hundred and forty‐three 6‐to‐7‐year‐olds and 10‐to‐11‐year‐olds in Britain and Argentina‐encompassing both Global South and Global North perspectives‐ drew five human figures: (i) person of their choice, (ii) dancer, (iii) nanny (iv) firefighter and (v) pilot. In interviews, children confirmed and justified their gender choices for each drawing. Results indicate gender stereotypes in children from both countries, especially towards women‐dominated occupations. Girls exhibited more rigid gender views than boys. These findings suggest widespread and culturally consistent occupational gender stereotypes, potentially limiting children's future job choices.
Connected lives: Care, money management, and gender inequality in low‐income households in times of crisis in Argentina
Authors: Wilkis Ariel , Partenio Florencia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInspired by the sociology of Zelizer, this article lays out a framework of analysis that sheds light on money management as a cornerstone of the social organization of care. First, it lays out the features of the money management of care and caretaking practices to reveal a cyclical process in which the money side of care is rendered invisible and naturalized. It then turns to the question of debt, a key aspect of money management, and its reinforcement of gender inequalities during the care crisis associated with COVID‐19. The findings are drawn from a qualitative survey of low‐income households conducted in Argentina in 2021
‘Protect Our Children’ System‐Level Impacts: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Rural Populations
Authors: Piper Simone , Zarate Jose , Luther Stephanie , Metcalfe Robyn E. , Bogner Jaclyn , Todahl Jeffrey L. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTChild sexual abuse (CSA) is a public health issue that may have a disproportionate impact on children in rural areas due to lack of resources, lack of knowledge in the community and community norms that discourage reporting. In order to effectively prevent CSA in rural communities, there is a need to better understand the impact of prevention programming outside of the impacts on individual participants. The present study used a mixed‐methods approach to evaluate the unintended impacts of a CSA prevention program in rural communities throughout Oregon and Northern California from the perspective of the implementing staff. Participants (n = 38) indicated changes in their organisational identity, changes in community norms and the impact of having a network of other organisations across the state who were implementing the same program. Implications for research and potential for statewide prevention systems are discussed.
Featuring BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutational landscape from Asturias (North Spain)
Authors: Pitiot Ana S. , Blay Pilar , Díaz‐Navarro Ander , Fernández‐Arrojo Sara , Romero Rosa , Álvarez‐Eguiluz Ángel , Alvarado Marta G. , Álvarez Nieves , García‐Teijido Paula , Fernández Yolanda , Palacio Isabel , Puente Xose S. , Balbín Milagros 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe singular BRCA1/2 mutational landscape of Asturias is updated 10 years after the first study. We analyzed BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants in 1653 index cases. In total, 238 families were identified to carry a pathogenic variant, 163 families in BRCA1 and 75 families in BRCA2. This yielded a prevalence rate of 14.4%. Seven recurrent variants were found accounting for 55% of the cases. Among them, three are widely distributed (BRCA1 c.211A>G, c.470_471del and c.3331_3334del) and four had been reported as novel in Asturias: two in BRCA1 (c.1674del and c.2901_2902dup) and two in BRCA2 (c.2095C>T and c.4040_4035delinsC). A common haplotype was established for all recurrent variants indicating a shared ancestral origin. Three splicing analyses are shown: BRCA1:c.5152+3A>C and BRCA1:c.5333‐3T>G that lead to skipping of exon 18, and 22 respectively, and BRCA1:c.5278‐1G>T giving rise to two transcripts, one lacking exon 21 (p.Ille1760Glyfs*60) and one lacking the first 8 nucleotides of exon 21 (p.Phe1761Asnfs*14), supporting pathogenicity for these variants.
Analyzing the relative importance of habitat quantity and quality for boosting pollinator populations in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Fijen Thijs P. M. , Bishop Gabriella A. , Ganuza Cristina , Scheper Jeroen , Kleijn David 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo increase pollinator populations, international policy targets minimum levels of seminatural habitat cover, but it is unknown whether improving the quality of existing habitats could bring similar benefits without the need of reducing cropland area. Using data we collected in 26 Italian agricultural landscapes during the entire flying season, we explored the relative importance of habitat quantity (seminatural habitat cover) and quality (flower availability) on pollinator densities in seminatural habitats. We obtained transect‐based counts and estimated the effect of habitat quantity (proportion of seminatural habitat) and quality (flower cover and richness) on wild bee and hoverfly densities. We used the relationships revealed in the data to simulate pollinator population sizes in landscapes with varying habitat quantity and quality. Wild bee densities were only related to flower availability, whereas hoverfly densities were additionally related to seminatural habitat cover. We found that in complex agricultural landscapes (above 15% seminatural habitat cover), improving habitat quality increased pollinator populations more effectively than increasing habitat quantity. However, increasing habitat quantity was by far the most effective approach for boosting pollinator populations in simple landscapes.
Explainable artificial intelligence for medical imaging: Review and experiments with infrared breast images
Authors: Raghavan Kaushik , Balasubramanian Sivaselvan , Veezhinathan Kamakoti 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThere is a growing trend of using artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning algorithms, in medical diagnostics, revolutionizing healthcare by improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics comes with the critical need to explain the reasoning behind artificial intelligence‐based predictions and ensure transparency in decision‐making. Explainable artificial intelligence has emerged as a crucial research area to address the need for transparency and interpretability in medical diagnostics. Explainable artificial intelligence techniques aim to provide insights into the decision‐making process of artificial intelligence systems, enabling clinicians to understand the factors the algorithms consider in reaching their predictions. This paper presents a detailed review of saliency‐based (visual) methods, such as class activation methods, which have gained popularity in medical imaging as they provide visual explanations by highlighting the regions of an image most influential in the artificial intelligence's decision. We also present the literature on non‐visual methods, but the focus will be on visual methods. We also use the existing literature to experiment with infrared breast images for detecting breast cancer. Towards the end of this paper, we also propose an “attention guided Grad‐CAM” that enhances the visualizations for explainable artificial intelligence. The existing literature shows that explainable artificial intelligence techniques are not explored in the context of infrared medical images and opens up a wide range of opportunities for further research to make clinical thermography into assistive technology for the medical community.
Functioning and activity outcomes of the Akwenda Intervention Program for children and young adults with cerebral palsy in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Asige Elizabeth , Saloojee Gillian , Andrews Carin , Namaganda Lukia H. , Kakooza‐Mwesige Angelina , Damiano Diane L. , Forssberg Hans 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy of the Akwenda Intervention Program on motor, self‐care, and social function of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThis was a cluster‐randomized, controlled, single‐blinded, intervention study of 100 participants with CP (2–23 years; 52 males) in rural eastern Uganda. Half were allocated to the intervention program, the remainder served as waitlist controls. Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 (GMFM‐66) and the Ugandan version of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐UG) were collected before group allocation and after intervention. General linear models and t‐tests were used to compare changes within and between groups. Cohen's d estimated the effect size of group differences. Change scores were evaluated by age and mobility subgroups.ResultsSignificant group by time interactions were found for GMFM‐66 (p =0.003) and PEDI‐UG outcomes (p <0.001), except mobility, with the intervention group demonstrating greater changes. Both groups increased their scores on the GMFM‐66 and child PEDI‐UG, while only the intervention group had significant increases in caregiver assistance scores and across all age and mobility subgroups. Cohen's d showed large effect sizes (d >0.8) of differences for PEDI‐UG outcomes except mobility.InterpretationThe Akwenda Intervention Program had a large positive impact on functioning and activity across age and mobility levels.
The catalyzing role of financial inclusion in decoding environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future in BRICS‐T
Authors: Tekin Bilgehan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnvironmental degradation poses a significant challenge globally, exhibiting diverse manifestations across regions and ecosystems. This study aims to decipher the factors contributing to environmental degradation, with a specific focus on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Türkiye countries, spanning the period of 1990–2018. This investigation revealed intricate interdependencies among financial institutions, market dynamics, energy utilization, demographic shifts, and ecological impacts. According to the findings of studies based on Durbin‐Hausman, Westerlund, CS‐ARDL cointegration, Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis and Dumitrescu‐Hurlin causality tests, policies that encourage financial inclusion and energy efficiency should be developed to prevent environmental degradation. On the other hand, attention has been given to the impact of population growth on environmental policy decisions. This research contributes valuable information to the ongoing discourse on the interrelationship between financial inclusion, the energy population, and environmental protection.
Successful management of pneumonia and pyogranulomatous cranial mediastinitis due to Coccidioides species infection with fluconazole in a 3‐year‐old horse
Authors: Mullen Kathleen R. , Fenn Melissa , Hill Jacqueline A. , Alexander Kate , Gonzalez‐Barrientos Cristy Rocio , Rodrigues‐Hoffmann Aline , Duhamel Gerald E. 
Published: June 2024

SummaryA 3‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding originating from Texas presented for fever and inappetence. An encapsulated, mixed echogenic cranial mediastinal mass visible ultrasonographically in the left and right fourth intercostal space that displaced the heart caudally was identified. Histological evaluation of needle biopsies obtained under general anaesthesia revealed a severe pyogranulomatous inflammatory process associated with intralesional round, 15–25 μm in diameter, thick double‐contoured cell wall fungal structures. Sequencing of products obtained from DNA extracted from the paraffin‐embedded biopsy sample and a panfungal PCR assay targeting the large ribosomal unit region had a 99.1% identity to either Coccidioides immitis or C. posadessii. Bronchoscopy revealed purulent exudate in the right primary bronchus. Cytological evaluation of bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contained 96% moderately degenerative neutrophils and 4% macrophages. Fungal structures were not appreciated in the BALF. However, the mediastinitis could have resulted from inhalation and dissemination of arthroconidia through lymphatics or directly from the lung parenchyma. Quantitative immunodiffusion of serum for the presence of coccidioidal IgG antibodies yielded a titre of 1:256 suggestive of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. After oral fluconazole for 24 months, the horse's general health and athletic performance had returned to normal and the mediastinal mass was not appreciated sonographically.
Numerical investigation on the crack resistance curve of thermally treated quartz‐diorite rock under mixed mode I + II loading
Authors: Wu You , Yin Tubing , Chen Yongjun , Ma Jiexin , Guo Wenxuan , Yang Zheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo investigate the effects of thermal treatment and loading conditions on the crack initiation and propagation characteristics of quartz‐diorite, mixed mode I + II fracture tests were conducted by using three‐point bending (TPB) specimens. The numerical model, established on ABAQUS, couples the initial fracture toughness criterion and cohesive zone model to predict the crack initiation and propagation. The effects of thermal treatment and loading conditions on the crack propagation process, crack resistance curve, fracture path, and some fracture parameters at peak load have been analyzed and discussed. The results demonstrate that the thermal treatment has an obvious influence on the crack resistance curve of the specimen. The crack of the specimen will be dominated by the mode I fracture component with crack extension. The numerical results also show that the temperature and loading condition affect the crack length and fracture toughness at peak load.
Migrant sexual precarity through the lens of workplace litigation
Authors: Boucher Anna K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTheories of precarity have emphasized workplace isolation, worker vulnerability and a lack of control over key features of work. Migration status has been viewed as an attribute that can exacerbate worker precarity, and sexual violence and bodily injury are viewed by feminist scholars including Violence Against Women scholars as sources of such precarity as well. Nevertheless, how the interaction of workplace conditions, migration status, gender and sexual violence impact migrants needs more attention. A new evidence base, the Migrant Worker Rights Database, explores workplace violations against migrants in 907 tribunal and court cases brought by migrants in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States over a 20‐year period. The data collected for this project demonstrates that female migrants experience higher rates of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual servitude, and sex trafficking when compared with men. Further, while such collectively termed “sexual violence” offenses comprise a small percentage of cases in the Database (1.3%), they are characterized qualitatively by key features that present a heightened form of sexual precarity when compared with citizens: misuse by employers of visa conditions, debt bondage, live‐in arrangements, entrapment and slavery, and the combination of sexual violence with economic infringements such as wage theft and physical assault. Sexual precarity, this paper argues, should be viewed as an overlapping and reinforcing form of workplace precarity that has distinctly sexual and bodily dimensions.
Methylsulfonylmethane promotes melanogenesis via activation of JNK in Mel‐Ab cells
Authors: Kim In Wook , Park Woo‐Jae , Yun Hye‐Young , Kim Dong‐Seok 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveMethylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which contains organic sulphur, has been used for a long time as a medicinal ingredient because of its benefits to human health. MSM is reported to be protective against certain skin disorders, but it is unknown whether it affects melanin synthesis. Therefore, in our current research, we examined the possibility of MSM controlling the production of melanin in Mel‐Ab melanocytes.MethodsIn Mel‐Ab cells, melanin contents and tyrosinase activities were assessed and quantified. The expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase was evaluated using western blot analysis, while MSM‐induced signalling pathways were investigated.ResultsThe MSM treatment significantly resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in melanin production. Furthermore, MSM elevated melanin‐related proteins, including MITF and tyrosinase. However, the rate‐limiting enzyme of melanin production, tyrosinase, was not directly influenced by it. Therefore, we investigated potential melanogenesis‐related signalling pathways that may have been triggered by MSM. Our findings showed that MSM did not influence the signalling pathways associated with glycogen synthase kinase 3β, cAMP response‐element binding protein, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, or p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. However, MSM phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases/stress‐activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK), which is known to induce melanogenesis. SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor, inhibited MSM‐induced melanogenesis.ConclusionTaken together, our study indicates that MSM induces melanin synthesis and may serve as a therapeutic option for hypopigmentary skin disorders such as vitiligo.
A visual ratio PVA/curcumin/indigo nanofibre membrane based on natural pigments for detecting mutton freshness
Authors: Li Lianye , Li Wenbo , Sun Wuliang , Dong Yue , Yv Yaxin , Shi Wanting , Sun Wenxiu 
Published: June 2024

SummaryIn the storage process, meat is susceptible to external factors that produce corruption and deterioration, affecting consumers' health. Therefore, preparing an indicator membrane that can detect freshness in real time, non‐destructively, and visually is significant. Herein, an indicator membrane was prepared by electrostatic spinning technology using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate and curcumin (CUR) and indigo (IND) as the mixed indicator for freshness detection. When curcumin and indigo were mixed at 3:1 (w/w), CUR was transformed from ketone type to enol type with the gradual increase of pH, and IND underwent electron leaps, which resulted in green, brown, and reddish‐brown colour changes in the solution, and the colour development effect was effectively improved. The characterisation results showed that the average fibre diameter of the PVA/0.8 indicator membrane was 252 nm, the hybrid indicator was successfully loaded in the nanofibres, and the water contact angle was 103.6°, which was hydrophobic. In addition, the indicator membrane was sensitive to trimethylamine (limit of detection 17.38 ppm) and triethylamine (limit of detection 27.77 ppm) but insensitive to saline, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and other contaminants with detection specificity. Finally, the colour of the indicating membrane changes from green to brown during the storage of mutton in the mutton was rotten, indicating that the naked eye can judge the freshness of the mutton. Therefore, the PVA/CUR/IND indicator membrane has excellent potential for application in real‐time and non‐destructive detection of mutton freshness.