bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
People with Disabilities and Labour Market Barriers: The Perspectives of Israeli Social Workers
Authors: Gadot Limor , Holler Roni 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Social workers play a key role in supporting the labour market inclusion of disabled people. Nevertheless, we know little about how they perceive the barriers that disabled people face and their role in addressing them. In particular, we need to know more about the extent to which they adopt an individualised versus a social model of disability. To address this gap, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-three Israeli social workers providing employment-related services via public and non-profit organisations. A thematic analysis revealed that the participants tended to view their clients’ barriers as related to individual characteristics, including their impairment, level of functioning and soft skills. Whereas social barriers were acknowledged as well, these were usually framed as related to employers’ attitudes, including ignorance, stigma, fear and distrust. In addition, recognition of these social barriers was usually detached from the social workers’ daily, individualised practices.
Interferon-γ controls aquaporin 4-specific Th17 and B cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Arellano Gabriel , Loda Eileah , Chen Yanan , Neef Tobias , Cogswell Andrew C , Primer Grant , Joy Godwin , Kaschke Kevin , Wills Samantha , Podojil Joseph R , Popko Brian , Balabanov Roumen , Miller Stephen D 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a CNS autoimmune inflammatory disease mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) and antibody responses to the water channel protein, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), and associated with astrocytopathy, demyelination and axonal loss. Knowledge about disease pathogenesis is limited and the search for new therapies impeded by the absence of a reliable animal model. In our work, we determined that NMOSD is characterized by decreased IFN-γ receptor signalling and that IFN-γ depletion in AQP4201–220-immunized C57BL/6 mice results in severe clinical disease resembling human NMOSD. Pathologically, the disease causes autoimmune astrocytic and CNS injury secondary to cellular and humoral inflammation. Immunologically, the absence of IFN-γ allows for increased expression of IL-6 in B cells and activation of Th17 cells, and generation of a robust autoimmune inflammatory response. Consistent with NMOSD, the experimental disease is exacerbated by administration of IFN-β, whereas repletion of IFN-γ, as well as therapeutic targeting of IL-17A, IL-6R and B cells, ameliorates it. We also demonstrate that immune tolerization with AQP4201–220-coupled poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles could both prevent and effectively treat the disease. Our findings enhance the understanding of NMOSD pathogenesis and provide a platform for the development of immune tolerance-based therapies, avoiding the limitations of the current immunosuppressive therapies.
Deep learning distinguishes connectomes from focal epilepsy patients and controls: feasibility and clinical implications
Authors: Maher Christina , Tang Zihao , D’Souza Arkiev , Cabezas Mariano , Cai Weidong , Barnett Michael , Kavehei Omid , Wang Chenyu , Nikpour Armin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe application of deep learning models to evaluate connectome data is gaining interest in epilepsy research. Deep learning may be a useful initial tool to partition connectome data into network subsets for further analysis. Few prior works have used deep learning to examine structural connectomes from patients with focal epilepsy. We evaluated whether a deep learning model applied to whole-brain connectomes could classify 28 participants with focal epilepsy from 20 controls and identify nodal importance for each group. Participants with epilepsy were further grouped based on whether they had focal seizures that evolved into bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (17 with, 11 without). The trained neural network classified patients from controls with an accuracy of 72.92%, while the seizure subtype groups achieved a classification accuracy of 67.86%. In the patient subgroups, the nodes and edges deemed important for accurate classification were also clinically relevant, indicating the model’s interpretability. The current work expands the evidence for the potential of deep learning to extract relevant markers from clinical datasets. Our findings offer a rationale for further research interrogating structural connectomes to obtain features that can be biomarkers and aid the diagnosis of seizure subtypes.
Consensus on the management of pediatric deep partial-thickness burn wounds (2023 edition)
Authors: Liu Yan ,   Chinese Burn Association
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Burns are a main cause of accidental injuries among children in China. Because of the unique wound repair capacity and demand for growth in pediatric patients, the management of pediatric deep partial-thickness burn wounds involves a broader range of treatment options and controversy. We assembled experts from relevant fields in China to reach a consensus on the key points of thermal-induced pediatric deep partial-thickness burn-wound management, including definition and diagnosis, surgical treatments, nonsurgical treatment, choice of wound dressings, growth factor applications, infectious wound treatment, scar prevention and treatment. The committee members hope that the Expert Consensus will provide help and guiding recommendations for the treatment of pediatric deep partial-thickness burn wounds.
Neural substrates of individual differences in learning generalization via combined brain stimulation and multitasking training
Authors: Wards Yohan , Ehrhardt Shane E , Filmer Hannah L , Mattingley Jason B , Garner Kelly G , Dux Paul E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A pervasive limitation in cognition is reflected by the performance costs we experience when attempting to undertake two tasks simultaneously. While training can overcome these multitasking costs, the more elusive objective of training interventions is to induce persistent gains that transfer across tasks. Combined brain stimulation and cognitive training protocols have been employed to improve a range of psychological processes and facilitate such transfer, with consistent gains demonstrated in multitasking and decision-making. Neural activity in frontal, parietal, and subcortical regions has been implicated in multitasking training gains, but how the brain supports training transfer is poorly understood. To investigate this, we combined transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal cortex and multitasking training, with functional magnetic resonance imaging in 178 participants. We observed transfer to a visual search task, following 1 mA left or right prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation and multitasking training. These gains persisted for 1-month post-training. Notably, improvements in visual search performance for the right hemisphere stimulation group were associated with activity changes in the right hemisphere dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, intraparietal sulcus, and cerebellum. Thus, functional dynamics in these task-general regions determine how individuals respond to paired stimulation and training, resulting in enhanced performance on an untrained task.
Obstacles to local cooperation in fragmented, left-behind economies: an integrated framework
Authors: Gartzou-Katsouyanni Kira 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Fostering cooperation among local stakeholders is a core aim of place-based policies, and it can generate economic benefits and help restore a sense of agency in left-behind communities. However, relatively little is known about how to induce local cooperation in low-trust, institutionally weak areas. This article develops an integrated theoretical framework to help diagnose the precise obstacles to cooperation faced in different types of adverse settings. Such a diagnosis can help design tailored local- and macro-level policies to address the obstacles to local cooperation. The utility of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a medium-n comparative case study design.
Left atrial strain in acute heart failure: clinical and prognostic insights
Authors: Barki Monica , Losito Maurizio , Caracciolo Michela Maria , Sugimoto Tadafumi , Rovida Marina , Viva Tommaso , Arosio Roberto , Alfonzetti Eleonora , Bandera Francesco , Moroni Alice , Guazzi Marco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
In acute heart failure (AHF), the consequences of impaired left atrial (LA) mechanics are not well understood. We aimed to define the clinical trajectory of LA mechanics by left atrial strain (LAS) analysis.

Methods and results
Eighty-five consecutive AHF patients with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were enrolled in the LAS-AHF trial and underwent LA mechanics analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography. Seventy-seven patients were followed-up (FU) at 6 and 12 months. At hospital admission, discharge, 6 and 12 months post-discharge, LA reservoir function (LAS), LA pump strain, LAVi, LA stiffness, indicators of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function, congestion indexes (B lines, inferior vena cava, X-ray congestion score index), and biomarkers (NT-pro-BNP) were measured. The primary outcome was time to first event of re-hospitalization, worsening HF, or cardiovascular death. From admission to discharge, RV function significantly improved after decongestion, whereas no significant differences were observed in LA dynamics and LV function. In sinus rhythm patients with mild or no mitral regurgitation, decongestion was associated with a significant improvement of LAS and LA pump strain rate during hospitalization. At 12 months, 24 CV events occurred and lack of LAS improvement at 12 months FU emerged as the most powerful predictor followed by NT-pro-BNP. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a better survival for LAS &gt;16%, improvement of LAS &gt; 5%, and an LAS/LAVi ratio &gt;0.25%/mL/m2 compared with lower cut-off values [log-rank: heart rate (HR) 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–7.3, P = 0.004; log-rank: HR 3.6, 95% CI 2–7.9, P &lt; 0.01; log-rank: HR 3.27, 95% CI 1.4–7.7, P = 0.007].

Conclusion
In AHF of any LVEF, LA dynamics is highly predictive of re-hospitalization and cardiovascular outcome and allows to ease risk-stratification, potentially becoming an early reference target for improving long-term outcome.
Incidence and predictors of stroke and silent cerebral embolism following very high-power short-duration atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Boga Márton , Suhai Ferenc Imre , Orbán Gábor , Salló Zoltán , Nagy Klaudia Vivien , Szegedi Levente , Jokkel Zsófia , Csőre Judit , Osztheimer István , Perge Péter , Gupta Dhiraj , Merkely Béla , Gellér László , Szegedi Nándor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Cerebral thrombo-embolism is a dreaded complication of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation; its surrogate, silent cerebral embolism (SCE) can be detected by diffusion-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (bMRI). Initial investigations have raised a concern that very high-power, short-duration (vHPSD; 90 W/4 s) temperature-controlled PVI with the QDOT Micro catheter may be associated with a higher incidence of SCE compared with low-power long-duration ablation. We aimed to assess the incidence of procedural complications of vHPSD PVI with an emphasis on cerebral safety.

Methods and results
We enrolled 328 consecutive patients undergoing their PVI procedure using vHPSD. A subgroup of 61 consecutive patients underwent diffusion-weighted bMRI within 24 h of the procedure, and incidence and predictors of SCE were studied. The mean procedure time and left atrial dwell time for the overall cohort were 69.6 ± 24.1 and 46.5 ± 21.5 min, respectively. First-pass isolation was achieved in 82%. No stroke or transient ischaemic attack occurred. Silent cerebral embolism was identified in 5 of 61 patients (8.2%). Silent cerebral embolism following procedures was significantly associated with lower baseline generator impedance (105.8 vs. 112.6 Ω, P &lt; 0.0001) and with intermittent loss of catheter–tissue contact during ablation (14.1% vs. 6.1%, P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
Very high-power, short-duration PVI is a safe technique with an excellent acute success rate. Silent cerebral embolism incidence in our cohort was below the previously reported range, with no clinically overt cerebral complications. Lower baseline generator impedance and loss of contact during ablation may contribute to a higher risk of SCEs.
The genetic basis of traits associated with the evolution of serpentine endemism in monkeyflowers
Authors: Toll Katherine , Willis John H 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The floras on chemically and physically challenging soils, such as gypsum, shale, and serpentine, are characterized by narrowly endemic species. The evolution of edaphic endemics may be facilitated or constrained by genetic correlations among traits contributing to adaptation and reproductive isolation across soil boundaries. The yellow monkeyflowers in the Mimulus guttatus species complex are an ideal system in which to examine these evolutionary patterns. To determine the genetic basis of adaptive and prezygotic isolating traits, we performed genetic mapping experiments with F2 hybrids derived from a cross between a serpentine endemic, M. nudatus, and its close relative M. guttatus. Few large effect and many small effect QTL contribute to interspecific divergence in life history, floral, and leaf traits, and a history of directional selection contributed to trait divergence. Loci contributing to adaptive traits and prezygotic reproductive isolation overlap, and their allelic effects are largely in the direction of species divergence. These loci contain promising candidate genes regulating flowering time and plant organ size. Together, our results suggest that genetic correlations among traits can facilitate the evolution of adaptation and speciation and may be a common feature of the genetic architecture of divergence between edaphic endemics and their widespread relatives.
Centromere structure and function: lessons from Drosophila
Authors: Kyriacou Eftychia , Heun Patrick 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster serves as a powerful model organism for advancing our understanding of biological processes, not just by studying its similarities with other organisms including ourselves but also by investigating its differences to unravel the underlying strategies that evolved to achieve a common goal. This is particularly true for centromeres, specialized genomic regions present on all eukaryotic chromosomes that function as the platform for the assembly of kinetochores. These multiprotein structures play an essential role during cell division by connecting chromosomes to spindle microtubules in mitosis and meiosis to mediate accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we will take a historical perspective on the study of fly centromeres, aiming to highlight not only the important similarities but also the differences identified that contributed to advancing centromere biology. We will discuss the current knowledge on the sequence and chromatin organization of fly centromeres together with advances for identification of centromeric proteins. Then, we will describe both the factors and processes involved in centromere organization and how they work together to provide an epigenetic identity to the centromeric locus. Lastly, we will take an evolutionary point of view of centromeres and briefly discuss current views on centromere drive.
Demonstration of the pathogenicity of a common non-exomic mutation in ABCA4 using iPSC-derived retinal organoids and retrospective clinical data
Authors: Burnight Erin R , Fenner Beau J , Han Ian C , DeLuca Adam P , Whitmore S Scott , Bohrer Laura R , Andorf Jeaneen L , Sohn Elliott H , Mullins Robert F , Tucker Budd A , Stone Edwin M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mutations in ABCA4 are the most common cause of Mendelian retinal disease. Clinical evaluation of this gene is challenging because of its extreme allelic diversity, the large fraction of non-exomic mutations, and the wide range of associated disease. We used patient-derived retinal organoids as well as DNA samples and clinical data from a large cohort of patients with ABCA4-associated retinal disease to investigate the pathogenicity of a variant in ABCA4 (IVS30 + 1321 A&gt;G) that occurs heterozygously in 2% of Europeans. We found that this variant causes mis-splicing of the gene in photoreceptor cells such that the resulting protein contains 36 incorrect amino acids followed by a premature stop. We also investigated the phenotype of 10 patients with compound genotypes that included this mutation. Their median age of first vision loss was 39 years, which is in the mildest quintile of a large cohort of patients with ABCA4 disease. We conclude that the IVS30 + 1321 A&gt;G variant can cause disease when paired with a sufficiently deleterious opposing allele in a sufficiently permissive genetic background.
Qualitative study of the stigma associated with the lived experiences of Buruli ulcer disease among patients in Nigeria
Authors: Azubuike Precious Chidozie , Imo Uchenna Frank , Ogbonna Chimankpam Kingsley 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Buruli ulcer disease (BUD) is a neglected tropical disease of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and bone caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, with various disabling and stigmatising sequelae. Patients face a range of adverse impacts owing to the disease as most are unable to relate effectively with their communities, battling stigma and fear of discrimination. This study aimed to explore the stigma associated with the lived experiences of BUD in patients in Nigeria.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that employed a focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews in Enugu State, Nigeria. A random sampling of communities was followed by a purposive selection of FGD participants and key informants. A total of six key informants and eight FGD participants took part in the study. Data were collected over 6 wk from December 2022 to February 2023. The NVivo application was used to analyse transcripts and compute themes of quotes.

Results
Patients experienced stigma owing to the condition. The most reported experiences by participants were shame and culpability, isolation and social exclusion, including maltreatment from family members.

Conclusions
Identifying the stigma experienced by patients owing to BUD helps in the provision of psychosocial management services and support for patients.
Killing Protests with Kindness: Anti-China Protests and China's Public Diplomacy
Authors: Yang Yujeong , Kim-Leffingwell Sanghoon , Shen Shuyuan , Gong Do Young 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Anti-China protests have posed challenges to China's ambition to further expand its political and economic influence globally. How does Beijing respond to anti-China protests? And how do anti-China protests affect Beijing's use of public diplomatic resources? We address these questions by examining the effect of anti-China protests on China's public diplomatic engagement across low- and middle-income countries in Asia. We argue that anti-China protests lead to an increased level of non-financial public diplomatic engagement (e.g., elite visits) as well as financial engagement through foreign aid. We further argue that the effect of anti-China protests on increasing public diplomatic engagement is contingent on regime type. This is because China takes the anti-China message from autocracies more seriously given the higher political costs of participating in public protests in autocracies. Compared to democracies, autocracies are also in a better position to use anti-China protests as a means to signal their political constraints, compelling China to invest more public diplomatic resources for the countries.
Effects of hydrolyzed chicken liver on digestibility, fecal and urinary characteristics, and fecal metabolites of adult dogs
Authors: Pinto Caroline F D , Sezerotto Pamela P , Barcellos Jéssica F , Bortolo Marcelino , Guldenpfennig Ryan , Marx Fábio R , Trevizan Luciano 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
High-protein low-carbohydrate diets have been widely used for adult maintenance dogs, as well as in specific weight loss diets and maintenance programs. However, increasing dietary protein may increase undigested protein in the hindgut, modifying intestinal fermentation and fecal metabolite concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein source and concentration on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), fecal and urinary characteristics, and fecal metabolites of dogs. Twelve healthy adult dogs were distributed into six treatments (n = 6 per diet) in a balanced incomplete Latin square design consisting of three periods of 30 days each. Six diets, varying in protein source [poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) and hydrolyzed chicken liver powder (HCLP)] and concentration [24, 32, and 40% crude protein (CP) on dry matter (DM) basis] were tested: PBPM24 (PBPM based diet with 24% CP); PBPM32 (PBPM with 32% CP); PBPM40 (PBPM with 40% CP); HCLP24 (HCLP based diet with 24% CP); HCLP32 (HCLP with 32% CP); HCLP40 (HCLP with 40% CP). The ATTD of CP was greater in dogs-fed HCLP and higher protein concentrations diets (P &lt; 0.05). However, dogs-fed HCLP diets had lower ATTD of fat and carbohydrates, and ME (P &lt; 0.05). Similarly, high-protein diets reduced the ATTD of DM, OM, fat, carbohydrates, and energy (P &lt; 0.05). High-protein diets increased the daily fecal output and moisture (P = 0.004 and P &lt; 0.05, respectively), as well as the fecal score (P &lt; 0.0001), verified as soft, moist stools, but still within the ideal range. Fecal valerate concentration was greater in dogs-fed PBPM at 32% CP (P = 0.007). Fecal isobutyrate tended to increase in dogs-fed PBPM and high-protein diets (P &lt; 0.10). Also, dogs-fed PBPM and high-protein diets had greater fecal concentrations of isovalerate, branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), and ammonia (P &lt; 0.05). Finally, the fecal lactate concentration increased in dogs-fed HCLP and high-protein diets (P &lt; 0.05). The HCLP increased the ATTD of CP, being a highly digestible protein. Although the inclusion of HCLP slightly increased fecal score and moisture, it decreased the amount of fecal metabolites of protein fermentation ammonia and BCFA, both of which are associated with proteolytic fermentation in the colon.