bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Border crossers and border crossings
Authors: Diener Alexander C. , Hagen Joshua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Although ostensibly dividing space, borders never fully separate or partition peoples, economies, societies, ideologies, or notions of sovereignty. Chapter 5 begins with a discussion of migrants and refugees as one of if not the primary topic in which borders have come into focus over the last decade. Technological innovation, especially in the field of communications, facilitates transborder communities and identities to a greater degree than any other time in history. Time space compression is a key issue that affords relevance to ideas, events, and communities far from a given sovereign territory. This chapter demonstrates how insurgents and terrorists exist as transborder communities, while criminals and police pursue similarly cross-border strategies. On a more banal but no less impactful front, tourists and travelers cross borders and carry with them ideas, technology, disease, wealth, and identities that alter the economies, politics, cultures, and social structures of the places they encounter.
Clinicopathologic correlation of dermatologic diseases in patients with darker pigmentation
Authors: Tripathy Sanjna , Warbasse Elizabeth , Ronen Shira , Al-Rohil Rami , Cohen George F , Chen Wei-Shen , Patel Anisha B 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Cutaneous diseases that disproportionately affect patients with darker pigmentation and their histologic features are historically understudied and undertreated. This review article aims to highlight the key clinical features, histopathology, and diagnostic pearls of several cutaneous diseases that commonly present in patients with darker pigmentation.

Methods
A literature search was conducted, and a list of cutaneous diseases that frequently affect patients with darker pigmentation was compiled. A group of experts expounded upon those that were most common or misdiagnosed according to scientific evidence and clinical practice.

Results
The diseases were divided into hypopigmented disorders, hyperpigmented disorders, scarring disorders, and alopecic disorders. Within each category, the etiology, clinical features, histopathology, and key histologic differential diagnoses are described and discussed.

Conclusions
As many clinicians are taught that there are no effective treatment options or that these diseases are considered “cosmetic” in nature, patients often do not get a thorough medical workup or skin biopsy. This article aims to decrease the knowledge gap and serve as a resource for anyone involved in the care of patients with these cutaneous conditions.
Contemporary catheter ablation of complex atrial tachycardias after prior atrial fibrillation ablation: pulsed field vs. radiofrequency current energy ablation guided by high-density mapping
Authors: Gunawardene Melanie A , Harloff Tim , Jularic Mario , Dickow Jannis , Wahedi Rahin , Anwar Omar , Wohlmuth Peter , Gessler Nele , Hartmann Jens , Willems Stephan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Catheter ablation (CA) of post-ablation left atrial tachycardias (LATs) can be challenging. So far, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has not been compared to standard point-by-point radiofrequency current (RFC) energy for LAT ablation. To compare efficacy of PFA vs. RFC in patients undergoing CA for LAT.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients undergoing LAT-CA were prospectively enrolled (09/2021–02/2023). After electro-anatomical high-density mapping, ablation with either a pentaspline PFA catheter or RFC was performed. Patients were matched 1:1. Ablation was performed at the assumed critical isthmus site with additional ablation, if necessary. Right atrial tachycardia (RAT) was ablated with RFC. Acute and chronic success were assessed. Fifty-six patients (n = 28 each group, age 70 ± 9 years, 75% male) were enrolled.
A total of 77 AT (n = 67 LAT, n = 10 RAT; 77% macroreentries) occurred with n = 32 LAT in the PFA group and n = 35 LAT in the RFC group. Of all LAT, 94% (PFA group) vs. 91% (RFC group) successfully terminated to sinus rhythm or another AT during ablation (P = 1.0). Procedure times were shorter (PFA: 121 ± 41 vs. RFC: 190 ± 44 min, P &lt; 0.0001) and fluoroscopy times longer in the PFA group (PFA: 15 ± 9 vs. RFC: 11 ± 6 min, P = 0.04). There were no major complications. After one-year follow-up, estimated arrhythmia free survival was 63% (PFA group) and 87% (RFC group), [hazard ratio 2.91 (95% CI: 1.11–7.65), P = 0.0473].

Conclusion
Pulsed field ablation of post-ablation LAT using a pentaspline catheter is feasible, safe, and faster but less effective compared to standard RFC ablation after one year of follow-up. Future catheter designs and optimization of the electrical field may further improve practicability and efficacy of PFA for LAT.
Association between work sick-leave absenteeism and SARS-CoV-2 notifications in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Keet Martijn G , Boudewijns Bronke , Jongenotter Femke , van Iersel Senna , van Werkhoven Cornelis H , van Gageldonk-Lafeber Rianne B , Wisse Bram W , van Asten Liselotte 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Alternative data sources for surveillance have gained importance in maintaining coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situational awareness as nationwide testing has drastically decreased. Therefore, we explored whether rates of sick-leave from work are associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) notification trends and at which lag, to indicate the usefulness of sick-leave data for COVID-19 surveillance.

Methods
We explored trends during the COVID-19 epidemic of weekly sick-leave rates and SARS-CoV-2 notification rates from 1 June 2020 to 10 April 2022. Separate time series were inspected visually. Then, Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated at different lag and lead times of zero to four weeks between sick-leave and SARS-CoV-2 notification rates. We distinguished between four SARS-CoV-2 variant periods, two labour sectors and overall, and all-cause sick-leave versus COVID-19-specific sick-leave.

Results
The correlation coefficients between weekly all-cause sick-leave and SARS-CoV-2 notification rate at optimal lags were between 0.58 and 0.93, varying by the variant period and sector (overall: 0.83, lag −1; 95% CI [0.76, 0.88]). COVID-19-specific sick-leave correlations were higher than all-cause sick-leave correlations. Correlations were slightly lower in healthcare and education than overall. The highest correlations were mostly at lag −2 and −1 for all-cause sick-leave, meaning that sick-leave preceded SARS-CoV-2 notifications. Correlations were highest mostly at lag zero for COVID-19-specific sick-leave (coinciding with SARS-CoV-2 notifications).

Conclusion
All-cause sick-leave might offer an earlier indication and evolution of trends in SARS-CoV-2 rates, especially when testing is less available. Sick-leave data may complement COVID-19 and other infectious disease surveillance systems as a syndromic data source.
scRNA-seq Reveals Novel Genetic Pathways and Sex Chromosome Regulation in Tribolium Spermatogenesis
Authors: Robben Michael , Ramesh Balan , Pau Shana , Meletis Demetra , Luber Jacob , Demuth Jeffery 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Spermatogenesis is critical to sexual reproduction yet evolves rapidly in many organisms. High-throughput single-cell transcriptomics promises unparalleled insight into this important process but understanding can be impeded in nonmodel systems by a lack of known genes that can reliably demarcate biologically meaningful cell populations. Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, lacks known markers for spermatogenesis found in insect species like Drosophila melanogaster. Using single-cell sequencing data collected from adult beetle testes, we implement a strategy for elucidating biologically meaningful cell populations by using transient expression stage identification markers, weighted principal component clustering, and SNP-based haploid/diploid phasing. We identify populations that correspond to observable points in sperm differentiation and find species specific markers for each stage. Our results indicate that molecular pathways underlying spermatogenesis in Coleoptera are substantially diverged from those in Diptera. We also show that most genes on the X chromosome experience meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Temporal expression of Drosophila MSL complex homologs coupled with spatial analysis of potential chromatin entry sites further suggests that the dosage compensation machinery may mediate escape from meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and postmeiotic reactivation of the X chromosome.
Enhancing Older Household Consumption: The Impact of Long-Term Care Insurance in China
Authors: Wang Youhua , Zheng Yushuang , Li Yue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Household consumption significantly affects the quality of life and successful aging of older adults. However, prior research has often overlooked the connection between household consumption and long-term care insurance (LTCI). This study aims to investigate the influence of LTCI on consumption patterns within older Chinese households.

Methods
We used harmonized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and merged it with data from cities that implemented LTCI in China. We analyzed a total of 6,494 households consisting of individuals who were 60 years of age or older. To ensure accurate and stable research findings, we employed a series of difference-in-differences models.

Results
We found that LTCI has a significant impact on consumption levels, including total and per capita consumption within older households. Furthermore, our research demonstrates that LTCI significantly enhances enjoyable consumption across the consumption types. Through a heterogeneous analysis, it is shown that LTCI has a unique effect on both the total and enjoyable consumption of urban older households and also promotes comprehensive consumption improvements in older rural and disabled households.

Discussion
These findings highlight the crucial role of LTCI in improving the financial security and well-being of older households. They also have considerable policy implications for dealing with the challenges of an aging population.
Why does a public health issue (not) get priority? Agenda setting for the national burns programme in India
Authors: Keshri Vikash Ranjan , Jagnoor Jagnoor , Peden Margie , Norton Robyn , Abimbola Seye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is growing scholarly interest in what leads to global or national prioritization of specific health issues. By retrospectively analysing agenda setting for India’s national burn programme, this study aimed to better understand how the agenda-setting process influenced its design, implementation and performance. We conducted document reviews and key informant interviews with stakeholders and used a combination of analytical frameworks on policy prioritization and issue framing for analysis. The READ (readying material, extracting data, analysing data and distilling findings) approach was used for document reviews, and qualitative thematic analysis was used for coding and analysis of documents and interviews. The findings suggest three critical features of burns care policy prioritization in India: challenges of issue characteristics, divergent portrayal of ideas and its framing as a social and/or health issue and over-centralization of agenda setting. First, lack of credible indicators on the magnitude of the problem and evidence on interventions limited issue framing, advocacy and agenda setting. Second, the policy response to burns has two dimensions in India: response to gender-based intentional injuries and the healthcare response. While intentional burns have received policy attention, the healthcare response was limited until the national programme was initiated in 2010 and scaled up in 2014. Third, over-centralization of agenda setting (dominated by a few homogenous actors, located in the national capital, with attention focused on the national ministry of health) contributed to limitations in programme design and implementation. We note following elements to consider when analysing issues of significant burden but limited priority: the need to analyse how actors influence issue framing, the particularities of issues, the inadequacy of any one dominant frame and the limited intersection of frames. Based on this analysis in India, we recommend a decentralized approach to agenda setting and for the design and implementation of national programmes from the outset.
Patient Perspectives of Bowel Urgency and Bowel Urgency-Related Accidents in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Jairath Vipul , Hunter Gibble Theresa , Potts Bleakman Alison , Chatterton Kaitlin , Medrano Paolo , McLafferty Megan , Klooster Brittany , Saxena Sonal , Moses Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Bowel urgency is bothersome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) and impacts their well-being but remains underappreciated in clinical trials and during patient–healthcare provider interactions. This study explored the experiences of bowel urgency and bowel urgency-related accidents to identify the concepts most relevant and important to patients.

Methods
Adults with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe UC or CD for ≥6 months and experience of bowel urgency in the past 6 months were included. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephonic/Web-enabled teleconference. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed in ATLAS.ti 9 using a systematic thematic analysis.

Results
In total, 30 participants with UC or CD (n = 15 each) (mean age 52 and 50 years, respectively) participated in the interviews. The majority of participants were receiving biologic and/or conventional therapy (80% and 87%, respectively). Most participants with UC (87%) and all with CD experienced bowel urgency-related accidents. The most frequently reported symptoms co-occurring with bowel urgency were abdominal pain, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. Abdominal pain and abdominal cramping were the most bothersome co-occurring symptoms of bowel urgency and bowel urgency-related accidents. In both groups, participants reported decreased frequency of bowel urgency and not wanting to experience bowel urgency-related accidents at all as a meaningful improvement.

Conclusions
Participants with UC or CD expressed bowel urgency and bowel urgency-related accidents to be bothersome and impactful on their daily lives despite use of biologic and/or conventional therapy. These findings underscore the need for development of patient-reported outcome measures to assess bowel urgency in clinical settings.
One-year postprocedural quality of life following mitral valve surgery: data from The Netherlands Heart Registration
Authors: Heuts Samuel , Olsthoorn Jules R , Houterman Saskia , Roefs Maaike M , Maessen Jos G , Sardari Nia Peyman ,   Cardiothoracic Surgery Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, Bramer  , van Boven  , Vonk  , Koene  , Bekkers  , Hoohenkerk  , Markou  , de Weger  , Segers  , Porta  , Speekenbrink  , Stooker  , Li  , Daeter  , van der Kaaij  , Douglas  
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of surgical treatment of mitral valve disease is to reverse heart failure and to restore life expectancy and quality of life (QoL). In mitral valve surgery, QoL has not been studied extensively, especially regarding the surgical approach. The current study aimed to evaluate QoL after mitral valve surgery through full sternotomy and a minimally invasive approach (minimally invasive mitral valve surgery).

METHODS
All patients undergoing mitral valve surgery between 2013 and 2018 through sternotomy or a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery approach (right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy, sternal-sparing), with or without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery, surgical ablation or atrial septal defect closure were eligible for inclusion in this multicentre nationwide registry in the Netherlands. QoL was measured using the 12- and 36-item short form surveys, before surgery and postoperatively at 1 year. Independent predictors for loss of QoL were evaluated.

RESULTS
A total of 485 patients were included (full sternotomy: n = 276, and minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: n = 209). Overall, patients experienced a significant increase in physical component score [56 (42–75) vs 74 (57–88), P &lt; 0.001] and mental component score at 1 year [63 (52–74) vs 70 (59–86), P &lt; 0.001]. Baseline QoL scores and new onset of atrial arrhythmia were independently associated with a clinically relevant reduction in physical and mental QoL.

CONCLUSIONS
Mitral valve surgery is associated with significant improvement in physical and mental QoL. Baseline QoL scores and new onset of atrial arrhythmia are associated with a clinically relevant reduction in postoperative QoL.
Truth Commissions and the Prevention of Targeted Mass Killings
Authors: Whigham Kerry , Billing Trey , Nyseth Nzitatira Hollie 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
While transitional justice endeavors aim to help countries come to terms with violent pasts, policymakers and practitioners often claim that transitional justice mechanisms help prevent future violence as well. No cross-national research has tested this claim, however. This article begins to fill this gap by examining whether one of the most frequently used mechanisms of transitional justice, the truth commission, is associated with the onset of targeted mass killings (TMKs) in 27 countries between 1972 and 2018. Our differences-in-differences estimation approach finds that countries that have implemented truth commissions see a significant reduction in the recurrence of TMKs compared to those countries that did not implement a truth commission. Additional analyses reveal that while issuance of a final report and recommendations for reforms are not associated with the onset of TMKs, truth commissions that do not recommend the punishment of perpetrators are more likely to reduce TMKs in the years following the truth commission. The article ends by discussing the functions of truth commissions and proposing how their preventive capacity may be strengthened further through the application of an atrocity prevention lens.
A legal analysis of open banking in the promotion of financial data antitrust in China
Authors: Wang Mi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Open banking develops quickly in China where several large state-owned and private commercial banks have participated in open banking, but the legal foundation is insufficient. The theoretical basis of developing open banking lies in breaking down ‘Data Silos’ to promote the free circulation of data and strengthen competition in the financial data market. Open banking could promote ‘financial data antitrust’, which means reshaping the competitive landscape through promoting the share of monopolized financial data owned by large financial institutions to break their monopoly status in the financial market. It may also bring monopoly risks to financial institutions such as data aggregators and technology platforms. Based on the regulatory and legislative experience of other regions, China should continue the ‘government-guided’ model for developing open banking and pay more attention to protecting financial consumers and increasing their data control rights to better balance privacy protection and financial data sharing. China should set up a rule for ‘financial data right separation’ and formulate antitrust regulations for data aggregators. Based on the special status of Fintech platforms, China should not copy the open banking models of developed countries, but create a ‘two-way sharing’ open banking mechanism to prevent the risk of platform data antitrust.
Specifically targeting antimicrobial peptides for inhibition of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Mallawarachchi Samavath , Wang Haoqi , Mulgaonkar Nirmitee , Irigoyen Sonia , Padilla Carmen , Mandadi Kranthi , Borneman James , Fernando Sandun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Huanglongbing (citrus greening) is a plant disease putatively caused by the unculturable Gram-negative bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), and it has caused severe damage to citrus plantations worldwide. There are no definitive treatments for this disease, and conventional disease control techniques have shown limited efficacy. This work presents an in silico evaluation of using specifically targeting anti-microbial peptides (STAMPs) consisting of a targeting segment and an antimicrobial segment to inhibit citrus greening by inhibiting the BamA protein of CLas, which is an outer membrane protein crucial for bacterial viability.

Methods and results
Initially, a set of peptides with a high affinity toward BamA protein were screened and evaluated via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations and were verified in vitro via bio-layer interferometry (BLI). In silico studies and BLI experiments indicated that two peptides, HASP2 and HASP3, showed stable binding to BamA. Protein structures for STAMPs were created by fusing known anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) with the selected short peptides. The binding of STAMPs to BamA was assessed using molecular docking and binding energy calculations. The attachment of high-affinity short peptides significantly reduced the free energy of binding for AMPs, suggesting that it would make it easier for the STAMPs to bind to BamA. Efficacy testing in vitro using a closely related CLas surrogate bacterium showed that STAMPs had greater inhibitory activity than AMP alone.

Conclusions
In silico and in vitro results indicate that the STAMPs can inhibit CLas surrogate Rhizobium grahamii more effectively compared to AMPs, suggesting that STAMPs can achieve better inhibition of CLas, potentially via enhancing the site specificity of AMPs.
Bacteriological culture and direct PCR for detecting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in the Italian eradication campaign: a decade of experience at the National Reference Laboratory
Authors: Ferrari Stefania , Zanoni Mariagrazia , Mangeli Anna , Pigoli Claudio , D'Incau Mario , Alborali Giovanni Loris , Pacciarini Maria Lodovica , Boniotti Maria Beatrice 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Our study evaluates the capacity of direct real-time PCR for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with a focus on diagnostic performances and the feasibility of implementing this protocol in an eradication campaign. Specifically, we compare the effectiveness of the direct PCR method to various culture systems used by the Italian National Reference Laboratory over the last decade to detect MTBC.

Methods and results
Bovine tissue samples were routinely tested and analyzed for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) confirmation using microbiological culture (solid and liquid media), histopathological analysis, and a direct PCR assay targeting IS6110, an insertion sequence specific to the MTBC that is widely used for tuberculosis diagnosis. The direct real-time PCR demonstrated a high concordance (K = 0.871) with microbiological culture, as well as good sensitivity (91.84%) and specificity (95.24%). In contrast, histopathology demonstrated lower concordance (K = 0.746) and performance levels (sensitivity 91.41%, specificity 82.88%). Liquid media promoted faster and more efficient growth of MTBC than solid media. M. bovis and M. caprae had the comparable ability to respond to the direct real-time PCR test and grow on the microbiological medium.

Conclusions
This study confirms that direct real-time PCR can detect MTBC with high diagnostic accuracy within a few days. This study found no significant differences in performance between culture media and direct PCR for M. bovis and M. caprae.