bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the pulsar Y-point
Authors: Contopoulos I , Ntotsikas D , Gourgouliatos K N 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
The pulsar magnetosphere is divided into a corotating region of closed field lines surrounded by open field lines that emanate from the two poles of the star, extend to infinity, and are separated by an equatorial current sheet. The three regions meet at a magnetospheric Y-point. In steady-state solutions of the ideal force-free magnetosphere, the Y-point may lie at any distance inside the light cylinder. Time-dependent force-free simulations, however, develop closed-line regions that extend all the way to the light cylinder. On the other hand, Particle-in-Cell (PIC) solutions consistently develop smaller closed-line regions. In order to understand this effect, we solve the pulsar equation with an improved numerical method. We show that the total electromagnetic energy stored in the ideal force-free magnetosphere manifests a subtle minimum when the closed-line region extends to only 90 per cent of the light cylinder, and thus argue that the system will spontaneously choose this particular configuration. Furthermore, we argue that the intersection of the corotating region with the equatorial current sheet is at right angles, literally leading to a T-point.
Knowledge-First Inferential Evidence: A Response to Dunn
Authors: Williamson Timothy 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper is a response to “Inferential Evidence” by Jeffrey Dunn, in which he argues that my account of evidence is internally inconsistent, and that any form of Bayesian epistemology excludes evidence gained by inductive inference (which my account allows). In response, I show how the alleged inconsistency dissolves once the process of gaining evidence by inductive inference is fully articulated into the relevant stages, with due attention to the potential role of recognitional capacities.
MSC-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Diabetic Retinopathy by Delivering miR-22-3p to Inhibit NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Chen Yueqin , Yao Genhong , Tong Jun , Xie Hairong , Zheng Xinyu , Zhang Huayong , Xie Zhenggao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods
In vivo, MSC-sEVs were injected intravitreally into diabetic rats to determine the therapeutic efficacy. In vitro, MSC-sEVs with/without miR-22-3p inhibition were cocultured with advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced microglia with/without NLRP3 overexpression to explore the molecular mechanism.

Results
In vivo, MSC-sEVs inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokines levels in the retina, and alleviated DR as evidenced by improved histological morphology and blood-retinal barrier function. Based on miRNA sequencing of MSC-sEVs, bioinformatic software, and dual-luciferase reporter assay, miR-22-3p stood out as the critical molecule for the role of MSC-sEVs in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Diabetic rats had lower level of miR-22-3p in their retina than those of control and sEV-treated rats. Confocal microscopy revealed that sEV could be internalized by microglia both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, compared with sEV, the anti-inflammation effect of sEVmiR-22-3p(−) on AGEs-induced microglia was compromised, as they gave a lower suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, NLRP3 overexpression in microglia damped the anti-inflammatory effect of sEV.

Conclusion
These results indicated that MSC-sEVs alleviated DR via delivering miR-22-3p to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings indicate that MSC-sEVs might be a potential therapeutic method for DR.
Glycometabolic reprogramming in cementoblasts: A vital target for enhancing cell mineralization
Authors: Wang Huiyi , Peng Yan , Huang Xin , Xiao Junhong , Ma Li , Liu Heyu , Huang Hantao , Yang Zhengkun , Wang Chuan , Wang Xiaoxuan , Cao Zhengguo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCementum, a constituent part of periodontal tissues, has important adaptive and reparative functions. It serves to attach the tooth to alveolar bone and acts as a barrier delimit epithelial growth and bacteria evasion. A dynamic and highly responsive cementum is essential for maintaining occlusal relationships and the integrity of the root surface. It is a thin layer of mineralized tissue mainly produced by cementoblasts. Cementoblasts are osteoblast‐like cells essential for the restoration of periodontal tissues. In recent years, glucose metabolism has been found to be critical in bone remodeling and osteoblast differentiation. However, the glucose metabolism of cementoblasts remains incompletely understood. First, immunohistochemistry staining and in vivo tracing with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) revealed significantly higher glucose metabolism in cementum formation. To test the bioenergetic pathways of cementoblast differentiation, we compared the bioenergetic profiles of mineralized and unmineralized cementoblasts. As a result, we observed a significant increase in the consumption of glucose and production of lactate, coupled with the higher expression of glycolysis‐related genes. However, the expression of oxidative phosphorylation‐related genes was downregulated. The verified results were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Likewise, targeted energy metabolomics shows that the levels of glycolytic metabolites were significantly higher in the mineralized cementoblasts. Seahorse assays identified an increase in glycolytic flux and reduced oxygen consumption during cementoblast mineralization. Apart from that, we also found that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a key glycolysis enzyme, positively regulates the mineralization of cementoblasts. In summary, cementoblasts mainly utilized glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation during the mineralization process.
Workplace Productivity Loss and Indirect Costs Associated With Preterm Birth in the United States
Authors: Patel Vanessa Perez , Davis Matthew , Li James , Hwang Seungyoung , Johnson Scott , Kondejewski Jane , Croft Damien , Rood Kara , Simhan Hyagriv N. 
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:
To estimate workplace productivity loss and indirect costs in the year after birth among individuals who deliver preterm in the United States.

METHODS:
This retrospective, observational cohort study estimated workplace productivity loss and indirect costs for individuals aged 18–55 years with an inpatient delivery between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021, using data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database and the Health and Productivity Management database. Workdays lost and costs attributable to medical-related absenteeism, workplace absenteeism (defined as sick leave, leave, recreational leave, Family Medical Leave Act); disability (defined as short-term and long-term disability), and aggregate workplace productivity loss, a combined outcome measure, were compared between propensity-score–matched birth cohorts: preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) and full-term birth (at or after 37 weeks of gestation). Outcomes were also compared between the full-term birth cohort and preterm birth subgroups (before 32 weeks of gestation and before 34 weeks of gestation). Estimations of indirect costs assumed an 8-hour workday. Costs were inflated to December 2021 U.S. dollars.

RESULTS:
In total, 37,522 individuals were eligible for medical-related absenteeism, 1,028 for workplace absenteeism, 7,880 for disability, and 396 for aggregate workplace productivity loss after propensity score matching. Compared with full-term birth, preterm birth was associated with more workdays lost and costs in the year after childbirth attributable to medical-related absenteeism (differences of 4.2 days and $1,045, P<.001) and disability (differences of 2.8 days and $422, P<.001). Preterm birth was not associated with workplace absenteeism (differences of 1.4 days and $347, P=.787) and aggregate workplace productivity loss (differences of 5.2 days [P=.080] and $1,021 [P=.093]). Numerical differences were greater in magnitude and inversely related to gestational age at birth across outcomes.

CONCLUSION:
Preterm birth was associated with medical-related absenteeism, disability claims, and indirect costs in the year after birth compared with full-term birth.
Prevalence and impact of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause among women in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Todorova Lora , Bonassi Rogerio , Guerrero Carreño Francisco Javier , Hirschberg Angelica L. , Yuksel Nese , Rea Carol , Scrine Ludmila , Kim Janet S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the prevalence and impact of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), related treatment patterns, and experiences in women.

Methods
The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of moderate to severe menopause-related VMS among postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and four Nordic European countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) using an online survey. Secondary objectives assessed impact of VMS among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbances assessment, and questions regarding treatment patterns and attitudes toward symptoms and available treatments.

Results
Among 12,268 postmenopausal women, the prevalence of moderate to severe VMS was about 15.6% and was highest in Brazil (36.2%) and lowest in Nordic Europe (11.6%). Secondary analyses, conducted among 2,176 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, showed that VMS affected quality of life across all domains measured and impaired work activities by as much as 30%. Greater symptom severity negatively affected sleep. Many women sought medical advice, but most (1,238 [56.9%]) were not receiving treatment for their VMS. The majority (>70%) considered menopause to be a natural part of aging. Those treated with prescription hormone therapy and nonhormone medications reported some safety/efficacy concerns.

Conclusions
Among women from seven countries, moderate to severe menopause-related VMS were widespread, varied by region, and largely impaired quality of life, productivity, and/or sleep.
Oxygen-supplemented and topography-guided epithelium-on corneal crosslinking with pulsed irradiation for progressive keratoconus
Authors: Cronin Brendan , Gunn David , Chang Clark Y. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:To investigate the effects of customized topography-guided epithelium-on crosslinking (epi-on CXL) with oxygen supplementation on procedural efficacy and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC) at 1 year.Setting:Private eye clinic, Brisbane, Australia.Design:Retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized case series.Methods:Topography-guided epi-on CXL using the Mosaic system was performed on patients with progressive KC. Oxygen goggles; transepithelial riboflavin; and pulsed, high UV-A irradiance (1 second on, 1 second off; 30 mW/cm2) were applied to enhance oxygen kinetics and bioavailabilities of riboflavin and UV-A. Guided by baseline topography, a higher UV-A dose (15 J/cm2) was applied to the area of steepest anterior curvature with decreasing fluence (as low as 7.2 J/cm2) toward the outer 9 mm. Postoperative CDVA and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were evaluated.Results:102 eyes (80 patients) were followed for 11.5 ± 4.8 months. At the latest follow-up, mean CDVA (logMAR), mean K, and Kmax (diopters [D]) improved from 0.18 ± 0.28, 46.2 ± 3.8, and 53.0 ± 5.67 at baseline to 0.07 ± 0.18, 45.8 ± 3.7, and 51.9 ± 5.56, respectively (P< .001). 3 eyes (3%) lost more than 1 CDVA line, and another 3 eyes (3%) had increased Kmax greater than 2 D. 43 eyes were followed for at least 12 months (n = 43): mean CDVA, mean K, and Kmax improved from 0.19 ± 0.33 logMAR, 46.5 ± 3.5 D, and 53.6 ± 5.67 D to 0.07 ± 0.17 logMAR, 46.0 ± 3.5 D, and 52.33 ± 5.49 D, respectively (P≤ .002). No complications were observed.Conclusions:Tailoring oxygen-supplemented epi-on CXL with differential UV-A energy distributions, guided by baseline topography, in patients with KC seems to be safe and effective. At 1 year, study reports sustained improved CDVA and corneal stabilization.
Real-world socioeconomic determinants of corneal crosslinking in a national cohort
Authors: Gupta Angela S. , Yu Yinxi , Orlin Stephen E. , VanderBeek Brian L. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
To characterize recent socioeconomic trends in patients with keratoconus/corneal ectasias undergoing corneal crosslinking (CXL).

Setting:
A deidentified administrative medical claims database comprised commercial and Medicare Advantage health claims from across the United States.

Design:
Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Methods:
This study identified 552 patients with keratoconus/corneal ectasia who underwent CXL and 2723 matched controls who did not undergo CXL based on Current Procedural Terminology coding from a U.S. national insurance claims database from 2016 to 2020. For each patient, characteristics, including sex, race, age, household net worth, education level, insurance plan type, and geographic region, were extracted. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the odds of undergoing crosslinking.

Results:
Age 30 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 0.34, P < .001) was associated with decreased likelihood of undergoing CXL. Sex, race, education, and patient income were not associated with odds of undergoing CXL. Patients with health maintenance organization insurance had lower odds of undergoing CXL (OR, 0.64, P = .047). Geographically, patients on the east coast (OR, 0.37, P < .001) and Lower Midwest (OR, 0.31, P < .001) had statistically lower odds of undergoing crosslinking.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to identify socioeconomic determinants of CXL, and it highlights that geographic location and insurance type may limit accessibility to patients.
Diagnosis and referral of patients with AL amyloidosis in Portugal: results from a Delphi panel
Authors: Bergantim Rui , Caetano André , Silva Francisco F. , Tavares Isabel , Ferreira Manuela , Jaime Ana R. , Esteves Graça V. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a complex disorder defined by the extracellular deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils formed by intact or fragmented immunoglobulin light chains, leading to cell dysfunction, rapid organ deterioration, and, ultimately, death. Although the clinical presentation of AL is directly connected to organ involvement, signs and symptoms of AL are frequently nonspecific, misinterpreted, and late recognized. Thus, an early diagnosis combined with effective therapies to cease disease progression and rescue organ function is essential. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and characterize the current clinical practice regarding AL diagnosis and referral among Portuguese physicians. A Delphi-like panel (one round only) with a group of national experts from different medical specialties (cardiology, hematology, internal medicine, nephrology, and neurology) was carried out online, in which 30 statements were classified using a 4-point Likert scale. For each statement, the consensus level was set at 70% for “fully agree/disagree” and the majority level was defined as >70% in agreement or disagreement. Although the results suggest the existence of adequate general knowledge of AL amyloidosis, they also disclosed the necessity to raise awareness for this disease. Overall, this Delphi panel revealed a high lack of consensus regarding the diagnosis and early management of patients with AL among different specialties despite the qualified majority obtained in 26 statements. An optimized strategy for AL early diagnosis, transversal to several medical fields, is urgently needed. Moreover, referral centers with access to diagnostic technology and a network of diverse specialties should be established to foster an early diagnosis and better disease approach to boost the possibility of a better outcome for patients with AL.
Heating up: climate change and the threat to human health
Authors: Byg Blaire , Shah Ankur D. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review
This review discusses the urgency of addressing human-caused climate change and its impacts on health and the environment.

Recent findings
The latest evidence shows that current climate changes are primarily attributable to greenhouse gas emissions from human industrial activity. Exceeding 1.5°C of warming above preindustrial levels is projected to increase extreme weather events, increase rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality and vector-borne disease, exacerbate food and water insecurity, harm biodiversity and agriculture, displace communities, and disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups.

Summary
Urgent action is required to curb emissions, enact adaptation strategies, and promote climate justice. The healthcare sector must reduce its ecological footprint and prepare systems and workers to address climate change's health effects. Further research should support climate solutions while promoting health equity and environmental justice.
Pre-Extubation Ultrasound Measurement of In Situ Cuffed Endotracheal Tube Laryngeal Air Column Width Difference: Single-Center Pilot Study of Relationship With Post-Extubation Stridor in Subjects Younger Than 5 Years Old
Authors: Burton Luke , Loberger Jeremy , Baker Mark , Prabhakaran Priya , Bhargava Vidit 
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:Post-extubation stridor (PES) is difficult to predict before extubation. We therefore evaluated the potential diagnostic performance of pre-extubation laryngeal air column width difference (LACWD) measurement, as assessed by intensivist-performed point-of-care laryngeal ultrasound, in relation to clinically important PES.DESIGN:Prospective observational cohort study.SETTING:Single quaternary care PICU (July 19, 2021, to October 31, 2022).PATIENTS:Included subjects were younger than 5 years old, intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for greater than 24 hours, and nearing extubation. Subjects at high risk for supraglottic airway obstruction were excluded.INTERVENTIONS:Laryngeal ultrasound with measurement of laryngeal air column width with the endotracheal tube cuff inflated and deflated. Clinically important PES was defined as a high-pitched inspiratory respiratory noise suspected to be from a subglottic focus necessitating received medical intervention or reintubation.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Among 53 enrolled subjects, 18 of 53 (34%) experienced PES and three of 53 (6%) were reintubated because of severe subglottic upper airway obstruction. Median LACWD was significantly lower in the stridor group compared with the nonstridor group (∆ 0.41 mm; 95% CI, 0.37–0.48;p< 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for LACWD as a diagnosis of PES was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89–1.00;p< 0.001). The LACWD cutoff for PES was less than or equal to 0.47 mm, which yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 88.9%. In this population, the pre-to-post-test change in probability of PES for LACWD less than or equal to 0.47 mm is 0.34 to 0.81.CONCLUSIONS:Pre-extubation LACWD is a novel, noninvasive assessment that can be performed and interpreted by the intensivist at the bedside. There is, however, diagnostic uncertainty in the use of this measurement for identifying those at-risk of PES and larger validation studies are needed.
Scandiatransplant Exchange Program (STEP): Development and Results From an International Kidney Exchange Program
Authors: Duus Weinreich Ilse , Andersson Tommy , Birna Andrésdóttir Margrét , Bengtsson Mats , Biglarnia Alireza , Bistrup Claus , Boulland Line , Bruunsgaard Helle , Helanterä Ilkka , Kölvald Kulli , Lauronen Jouni , Lindahl Jørn Petter , Skov Karin , Schwarz Sørensen Søren , Wennberg Lars , Lindner Per 
Published: October 2023

Background.
Kidney transplant candidates may be incompatible with their intended living donors because of the presence of antibodies against HLA and/or ABO. To increase the possibility of finding an acceptable kidney donor for these patients, the Scandiatransplant Exchange Program (STEP) program within Scandiatransplant was launched in 2019.

Methods.
This is a retrospective review of our experiences from the first 4 y of the STEP program, including details about the match runs, performed transplantations, and recipient outcomes within the program.

Results.
During 2019–2022, 11 match runs and 4 reruns were performed. In total, 114 pairs and 6 anonymous donors participated in these match runs. Fifty-one pairs (45%) participated in 1 match run, 31 pairs (27%) participated in 2 match runs, and 32 pairs (29%) participated in ≥3 match runs. Seventy-two individuals (63%) participated because of HLA incompatibility, 19 (17%) because of ABO incompatibility, and 7 (6%) because of both HLA and ABO incompatibility.
Forty percent of the patients enrolled in the program underwent transplantation. In total, 49 transplantations have so far been performed within the program, and 46 (94%) of the recipients had a functioning kidney graft at follow-up in February 2023.

Conclusions.
The STEP program offers sensitized patients an enlarged pool of living donors and a chance of a compatible international living donor, resulting in an increased number of total transplantations. Currently, STEP is one of the largest transnational kidney exchange programs and has improved the situation for patients waiting for kidney transplantation in Scandiatransplant.
Representation of event and object concepts in ventral anterior temporal lobe and angular gyrus
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Wu Wei , Mirman Daniel , Hoffman Paul 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSemantic knowledge includes understanding of objects and their features and also understanding of the characteristics of events. The hub-and-spoke theory holds that these conceptual representations rely on multiple information sources that are integrated in a central hub in the ventral anterior temporal lobes (vATL). Dual-hub theory expands this framework with the claim that the vATL hub is specialized for object representation, while a second hub in angular gyrus (AG) is specialized for event representation. To test these ideas, we used RSA, univariate and PPI analyses of fMRI data collected while participants processed object and event concepts (e.g., ‘an apple’, ‘a wedding’) presented as images and written words. RSA showed that AG encoded event concept similarity more than object similarity, although the left AG also encoded object similarity. Bilateral vATLs encoded both object and event concept structure, and left vATL exhibited stronger coding for events. PPI analysis revealed greater connectivity between left vATL and right pMTG, and between right AG and bilateral ITG and middle occipital gyrus, for event concepts compared to object concepts. These findings support the specialization of AG for event semantics, though with some involvement in object coding, but do not support vATL specialization for object concepts.