bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Playing politics with traffic fines: Sheriff elections and political cycles in traffic fines revenue
Authors: Su Min , Buerger Christian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe political budget cycle theory has extensively documented how politicians manipulate policies during election years to gain an electoral advantage. This paper focuses on county sheriffs, crucial but often neglected local officials, and investigates their opportunistic political behavior during elections. Using a panel data set covering 57 California county governments over four election cycles, we find compelling evidence of traffic enforcement policy manipulation by county sheriffs during election years. Specifically, a county's per capita traffic fines revenue is 9% lower in the election than in nonelection years. The magnitude of the political cycle intensifies when an election is competitive. Our findings contribute to the political budget cycle theory and provide timely insights into the ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement reform and local governments’ increasing reliance on fines and fees revenue.
Building the workforce of tomorrow: The weighting of rural exposure in standardised curriculum vitae scoring criteria for entrance into Australian specialty training programs
Authors: Muecke Thomas , Bacchi Stephen , Casson Robert , Chan Weng Onn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the weighting of rural exposure within publicly available standardised curriculum vitae (CV) scoring criteria for trainee medical officer's applying into medical and surgical specialty training programs in Australia and New Zealand.Methods/DesignAn observational analysis of rural exposure point allocations within publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria for entrance into specialty training programs.SettingAll Australian and New Zealand medical and surgical specialties training programs outlined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who publish publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria for entrance into specialty training were included.ResultsOf the 14 specialty training programs that publish publicly available standardised CV scoring criteria, 8/14 allocate points towards rural exposure. While the allocation of points within this scoring domain varies between the eight training programs, the mean weighting of rural exposure is 13.7%.ConclusionsThe relative weighting of rural exposure varies between the eight specialty training programs who include rural exposure as a CV scoring criteria. The deliberate and strategic construction of CV scoring criteria and inclusion of rural exposure points is important to continue developing the Australian rural specialist workforce. Future development of standardised CV scoring criteria should continue to consider point allocation towards rural exposure and related activities to ensure that the requirements of rural Australian healthcare needs are met across medical and surgical specialties.
Emerging approaches to male contraception
Authors: Yan Wei , Amory John K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, approximately half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended. Contraceptive use significantly reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy; however, options for men are particularly limited. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop novel, safe, and effective male contraceptives.ResultsThis review discusses research into emerging male contraceptive methods that either inhibit sperm production or impair sperm function. It focuses on those in the preclinical or early clinical stages of development.
The strength of the patellar and Achilles tendon reflexes is not affected in uncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Nordfjord Isold , Steingrimsdottir Thora , Valtorta Andrea , Hilmarsson Agust , Hjaltason Haukur 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionResearch on healthy pregnant women's reflexes is almost unheard of, even if an estimation of reflexes is a conventional part of the physical examination of preeclamptic patients, and hyperreflexia is generally considered to be a warning sign of eclampsia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible impact of gestation on tendon reflexes and the Babinski response, as examined in a clinical bed‐side manner.Material and MethodsA prospective, single‐blind, cross‐sectional study. Three study groups comprised non‐pregnant (n = 20), 14–18 weeks (n = 16), and 34–38 weeks (n = 15) healthy pregnant women respectively. Two experienced neurologists examined separately each participant's patellar reflexes, Achilles reflexes, and Babinski response and rated them on two different scales, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) scale and Mayo Clinic Scale for Tendon Reflex Assessment. Inter‐observer estimations between the patient groups and the neurologists were made by mixed effect model methodology.ResultsThe patellar and Achilles reflexes´ strengths were rated similarly in all three groups (p > 0.05). The inter‐observer difference was non‐significant between the neurologists´ estimations (p > 0.05). The neurologists estimated the Babinski response in a few cases as neutral (0), otherwise down (normal).ConclusionsThe patellar and Achilles reflex strengths are not affected in uncomplicated pregnancy. There is good concordance between neurologists´ estimations of tendon reflex strengths rated on the NINDS and Mayo scales.
Letter: Potential confounders might exaggerate the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with microscopic colitis—Authors' reply
Authors: Bergman David , Ludvigsson Jonas F. 
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Bergman et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17708andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18010.
Microbotanical analysis in artifacts of the CABUZA phase (900–1200 ce), Azapa Valley, northern Chile: Vessels and rites of “eating and drinking with the dead” in post‐Tiwanaku times
Authors: Ogalde Juan Pablo , Villanueva Fiorella Valeria , Huaman Mesía Luis Ramón , Aravena Sanchez Natalia Carolina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe report observations of wear traces and microbotanical analysis of 29 ceramics, one pot of Cucurbita sp., and one wooden spoon—all artifacts of the AZ‐6 and AZ‐71 cemeteries of the Cabuza cultural phase (900–1200 ce), Azapa Valley, northern Chile—. The results show some unused artifacts (11) besides 21 samples that were positive for starches of Zea mays, Cucurbita sp., Manihot esculenta, Ipomoea batatas, or Phaseolus sp., in addition to vegetable remains (13 cases). This evidence is interpreted as an expression of funerary rites in post‐state times, which could be an inheritance of the Andean Tiwanaku State (ca. 500–1000 ce).
Petrographic and geochemical analyses of pottery from Wadi Tanuf, Oman: Approaching pottery production in south‐eastern Arabia during the second and first millennia BCE
Authors: Miki Takehiro , Kuronuma Taichi , MacDonald Brandi L. , Glascock Michael D. , Kondo Yasuhisa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study describes the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of pottery collected from Mugharat al‐Kahf and WTN02 in Wadi Tanuf, north‐central Oman, to clarify interregional similarities and differences in pottery production techniques and examine the existence of interregional trade in pottery with respect to changes in mobile communities. Potsherds from these sites were characterised using thin‐section petrography and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results revealed that several clay fabrics and tempers were used during the Wadi Suq period (2000–1600 BCE). A region‐wide similarity exists in pottery‐making techniques in terms of the tempering of specific minerals (Oman ophiolite) used in the Early Iron Age (1300–300 BCE). Geochemical results indicate differences in clay sources between the Wadi Suq period and the Early Iron Age in Wadi Tanuf and the unlikelihood of the interregional trade of domestic pottery.
Investigating the key success factors within business models that facilitate long‐term value creation for sustainability‐focused start‐ups
Authors: Christodoulou Ioannis P. , Rizomyliotis Ioannis , Konstantoulaki Kleopatra , Alfiero Simona , Hasanago Sema , Paolone Francesco 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStart‐ups navigate complex challenges in today's business environment, requiring a delicate balance of economic, environmental, and social objectives for long‐term success. This study investigates the pivotal factors within business models that drive sustained value creation for sustainability‐focused start‐ups. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing environmental, social, and performance dimensions, we identify resilience as a primary component of sustainable decision‐making, supported by adaptability and convenience. Emphasizing resilience and adaptability in decision‐making processes enables sustainable start‐ups to maintain competitive advantages while pursuing sustainability goals. We advocate for a collaborative decision‐making approach focused on long‐term value creation through sustainability measures, providing a framework for developing or refining sustainable business models. Future research may further explore the identified success factors within sustainable start‐ups.
Using machine learning to increase access to and engagement with trauma‐focused interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Lenton‐Brym Ariella P. , Collins Alexis , Lane Jeanine , Busso Carlos , Ouyang Jessica , Fitzpatrick Skye , Kuo Janice R. , Monson Candice M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPost‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) poses a global public health challenge. Evidence‐based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD reduce symptoms and improve functioning (Forbes et al., Guilford Press, 2020, 3). However, a number of barriers to access and engagement with these interventions prevail. As a result, the use of EBPs in community settings remains disappointingly low (Charney et al., Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11, 2019, 793; Richards et al., Community Mental Health Journal, 53, 2017, 215), and not all patients who receive an EBP for PTSD benefit optimally (Asmundson et al., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 48, 2019, 1). Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced new possibilities for increasinfg access to and quality of mental health interventions.AimsThe present paper reviews key barriers to accessing and engaging in EBPs for PTSD, discusses current applications of AI in PTSD treatment and provides recommendations for future AI integrations aimed at reducing barriers to access and engagement.DiscussionWe propose that AI may be utilized to (1) assess treatment fidelity; (2) elucidate novel predictors of treatment dropout and outcomes; and (3) facilitate patient engagement with the tasks of therapy, including therapy practice. Potential avenues for technological advancements are also considered.
ST‐2560, a selective inhibitor of the NaV1.7 sodium channel, affects nocifensive and cardiovascular reflexes in non‐human primates
Authors: Mulcahy John V. , Beckley Jacob T. , Klas Sheri D. , Odink Debra A. , Delwig Anton , Pajouhesh Hassan , Monteleone Dennis , Zhou Xiang , Du Bois Justin , Yeomans David C. , Luu George , Hunter John C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe voltage‐gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.7 is a high‐interest target for the development of non‐opioid analgesics due to its preferential expression in pain‐sensing neurons. NaV1.7 is also expressed in autonomic neurons, yet its contribution to involuntary visceral reflexes has received limited attention. The small molecule inhibitor ST‐2560 was advanced into pain behaviour and cardiovascular models to understand the pharmacodynamic effects of selective inhibition of NaV1.7.Experimental ApproachPotency of ST‐2560 at NaV1.7 and off‐target ion channels was evaluated by whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology. Effects on nocifensive reflexes were assessed in non‐human primate (NHP) behavioural models, employing the chemical capsaicin and mechanical stimuli. Cardiovascular parameters were monitored continuously in freely‐moving, telemetered NHPs following administration of vehicle and ST‐2560.Key ResultsST‐2560 is a potent inhibitor (IC50 = 39 nM) of NaV1.7 in primates with ≥1000‐fold selectivity over other isoforms of the human NaV1.x family. Following systemic administration, ST‐2560 (0.1–0.3 mg·kg−1, s.c.) suppressed noxious mechanical‐ and chemical‐evoked reflexes at free plasma concentrations threefold to fivefold above NaV1.7 IC50. ST‐2560 (0.1–1.0 mg·kg−1, s.c.) also produced changes in haemodynamic parameters, most notably a 10‐ to 20‐mmHg reduction in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure, at similar exposures.Conclusions and ImplicationsAcute pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.7 is antinociceptive, but also has the potential to impact the cardiovascular system. Further work is merited to understand the role of NaV1.7 in autonomic ganglia involved in the control of heart rate and blood pressure, and the effect of selective NaV1.7 inhibition on cardiovascular function.
Quantifying the role of termite decomposition in a mesic savanna
Authors: Bunney Katherine , Robertson Mark , Eggleton Paul , Twine Wayne , Parr Catherine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSavanna systems are among the most sensitive to future climate and land‐use change, yet we lack robust, direct quantifications of savanna carbon cycling. Together with fire, decomposition is the main process by which the carbon and nutrients are recycled and made available again to plants. Decomposition is largely mediated by microbes and soil invertebrates. Using a novel large‐scale termite suppression experiment, we quantify, for the first time, the relative contribution of microbes, termites, and other invertebrates to the decomposition of wood (fresh native and dry non‐native), dry dung, and grass in a mesic savanna. We found that termites were responsible for two thirds of the mass loss from dry wood and a third of the mass loss from fresh native wood, dry dung, and dry grass. Microbes were wholly responsible for the difference as there was no evidence of other invertebrates contributing to decomposition, even with fresh wood. Using multiple substrates in savanna decomposition studies is important where a mixture of contrasting life forms occur because both the rates of decomposition and the dominant agent varied considerably. In addition, including both a dry non‐native and fresh native wood cast light on possible explanatory variables such as wood density, green‐ness and the presence of bark, and the necessity of teasing these variables apart in future studies. Termites stand apart from all other insects in their impact on decomposition within savannas and should be acknowledged alongside microbes and fire as the primary agents of wood, grass, and dry dung turnover in global carbon models.
Histone deacetylase as emerging pharmacological therapeutic target for neuropathic pain: From epigenetic to selective drugs
Authors: Zhang Wencui , Jiao Bo , Yu Shangchen , Zhang Caixia , Zhang Kaiwen , Liu Baowen , Zhang Xianwei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeuropathic pain remains a formidable challenge for modern medicine. The first‐line pharmacological therapies exhibit limited efficacy and unfavorable side effect profiles, highlighting an unmet need for effective therapeutic medications. The past decades have witnessed an explosion in efforts to translate epigenetic concepts into pain therapy and shed light on epigenetics as a promising avenue for pain research. Recently, the aberrant activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) has emerged as a key mechanism contributing to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.AimsIn this review, we highlight the distinctive role of specific HDAC subtypes in a cell‐specific manner in pain nociception, and outline the recent experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of HDACi in neuropathic pain.MethodsWe have summarized studies of HDAC in neuropathic pain in Pubmed.ResultsHDACs, widely distributed in the neuronal and non‐neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord, regulate gene expression by deacetylation of histone or non‐histone proteins and involving in increased neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation, thus promoting peripheral and central sensitization. Importantly, pharmacological manipulation of aberrant acetylation using HDAC‐targeted inhibitors (HDACi) has shown promising pain‐relieving properties in various preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Yet, many of which exhibit low‐specificity that may induce off‐target toxicities, underscoring the necessity for the development of isoform‐selective HDACi in pain management.ConclusionsAbnormally elevated HDACs promote neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation by epigenetically modulating pivotal gene expression in neuronal and immune cells, contributing to peripheral and central sensitization in the progression of neuropathic pain, and HDACi showed significant efficacy and great potential for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Interpretation of the nine‐step test for Eustachian tube function should consider mastoid cavity volume
Authors: Kim Jun Yup , Kim Dachan , Moon In Seok , Han Ji Hyuk , Bae Seong Hoon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe modified nine‐step test is a classical method for evaluating Eustachian tube function. However, clinical interpretation of the increased maximal difference in middle ear pressure (mdMEP) in the modified nine‐step test is unknown. We hypothesised that the different reservoir effects of the mastoid cavity can bias the results of the modified nine‐step test.MethodsA total of 108 consecutive participants (216 ears) were retrospectively screened. Of these, 55 participants (82 ears) who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled. The volumetric results of the mastoid cavity, parameters of the modified nine‐step test (mdMEP, middle ear pressure, tympanic membrane compliance), and demographic data were analysed.ResultsA significant negative correlation was found between mdMEP and mastoid cavity volume (R = .467, p < .001). Ears with mdMEP >70 daPa showed poor pneumatization in the mastoid cavity, with volumes less than 3000 mm3 (10th percentile of all ears analysed). Ears with mastoid cavity volumes lower than the 25th percentile showed a significantly higher mdMEP (p < .001). Patients with mastoid cavity volumes higher than the 75th percentile were significantly younger (p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis for mdMEP showed a good fit (R = .854) using factors including middle ear pressure, admittance and, most importantly, the reciprocal of mastoid volume (Beta = 0.752, p < .001).ConclusionsThe mdMEP, the main parameter of the modified nine‐step test, was negatively correlated with the mastoid cavity volume. Therefore, the results of the modified nine‐step test should be interpreted with consideration of mastoid cavity volume.
GTSE1: A potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in various tumors including lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Guanqiang , Li Guosheng , Gao Xiang , Liu Jun , Li Yue , Li Jingxiao , Zhou Huafu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis research was aimed to comprehensively investigate the expression levels, diagnostic and prognostic implications, and the relationship with immune infiltration of G2 and S phase‐expressed‐1 (GTSE1) across 33 tumor types, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), through gene expression profiling.MethodsGTSE1 mRNA expression data together with clinical information were acquired from Xena database of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), ArrayExpress, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for this study. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to detect differences in GTSE1 expression between groups. The ability of GTSE1 to accurately predict cancer status was evaluated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) value for the receiver operating characteristic curve. Additionally, we investigated the predictive value of GTSE1 in individuals diagnosed with neoplasms using univariate Cox regression analysis as well as Kaplan–Meier curves. Furthermore, the correlation between GTSE1 expression and levels of immune infiltration was assessed by utilizing the Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER) database to calculate the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Finally, the pan‐cancer analysis findings were validated by examining the association between GTSE1 expression and prognosis among patients with LUAD.ResultsGTSE1 exhibited significantly increased expression levels in a wide range of tumor tissues in contrast with normal tissues (p < 0.05). The expression of GTSE1 in various tumors was associated with clinical features, overall survival, and disease‐specific survival (p < 0.05). In immune infiltration analyses, a strong correlation of the level of immune infiltration with the expression of GTSE1 was observed. Furthermore, GTSE1 demonstrated good discriminative and diagnostic value for most tumors. Additional experiments confirmed the relationship between elevated GTSE1 expression and unfavorable prognosis in individuals diagnosed with LUAD. These findings indicated the crucial role of GTSE1 expression level in influencing the development and immune infiltration of different types of tumors.ConclusionsGTSE1 might be a potential biomarker for the prognosis of pan‐cancer. Meanwhile, it represented a promising target for immunotherapy.
Sublobectomy and lymph node sampling are adequate for patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma presenting as pure ground glass nodules
Authors: Wu Hansheng , Wu Junhan , Chen Xi , Lan Zihua , Chen Qibin , Hong Liangli , Yan Jinhai , Huang Shujie , Chen Jianrong , Lin Xirui , Tang Yong , Xu Haijie , Qiao Guibin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeIn this study, we aimed to investigate the prognosis of invasive lung adenocarcinoma that manifests as pure ground glass nodules (pGGNs) and confirm the effectiveness of sublobectomy and lymph node sampling in patients with pGGN‐featured invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC).Materials and methodsWe retrospectively enrolled 139 patients with pGGN‐featured IAC, who underwent complete resection in two medical institutions between January 2011 and May 2022. Stratification analysis was conducted to ensure balanced baseline characteristics among the patients. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were compared between the groups using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank test.ResultsThe 5‐year OS and DFS rates for patients with IAC presenting as pGGNs after surgery were 96.5% and 100%, respectively. No lymph node metastasis or recurrence was observed in any of the enrolled patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the 5‐year OS between patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobectomy, along with lymph node resection or sampling.ConclusionIAC presented as pGGNs exhibited low‐grade malignancy and had a relatively good prognosis. Therefore, these patients may be treated with sublobectomy and lymph node sampling.