bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon in a vibration-exposed worker
Authors: Cooke R 
Published: October 2023

Summary
This is the first known case report of COVID-19-related Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) identified at routine health surveillance of a male exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. The temporal relationship with COVID infection followed the course previously reported, being a late feature associated with mild COVID, and followed by gradual spontaneous recovery. It is not known whether the RP, in this case, is solely due to COVID or represents a summative effect of COVID and vibration exposure. A prudent approach is recommended in such circumstances with limitation of vibration exposure and continuing frequent surveillance pending improvement of the RP, with further prompt investigation if the expected recovery does not occur.
Risk of New-Onset Long COVID Following Reinfection With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Bosworth Matthew L , Shenhuy Boran , Walker A Sarah , Nafilyan Vahé , Alwan Nisreen A , O’Hara Margaret E , Ayoubkhani Daniel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the risk of long COVID following reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We estimated the likelihood of new-onset, self-reported long COVID after a second SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to a first infection.

Methods
We included UK COVID-19 Infection Survey participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 1 November 2021 and 8 October 2022. The primary outcome was self-reported long COVID 12–20 weeks after each infection. Separate analyses were performed for those &lt;16 years and ≥16 years. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for new-onset long COVID using logistic regression, comparing second to first infections, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and calendar date of infection, plus vaccination status in participants ≥16 years of age.

Results
Overall, long COVID was reported by those ≥16 years after 4.0% and 2.4% of first and second infections, respectively; the corresponding estimates among those aged &lt;16 years were 1.0% and 0.6%. The aOR for long COVID after second compared to first infections was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], .63–.81) for those ≥16 years and 0.93 (95% CI, .57–1.53) for those &lt;16 years.

Conclusions
The risk of new-onset long COVID after a second SARS-CoV-2 infection is lower than that after a first infection for persons aged ≥16 years, though there is no evidence of a difference in risk for those &lt;16 years. However, there remains some risk of new-onset long COVID after a second infection, with around 1 in 40 of those aged ≥16 years and 1 in 165 of those &lt;16 years reporting long COVID after a second infection.
Comparative Law and Christianity—A Plank in the Eye?
Authors: Husa Jaakko 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article examines the epistemic bias of comparative law scholarship. Comparatists are unable or unwilling to recognise the religious dimensions in Western law as they see religion only in the context of non-Western law. This problem is typical of modern macro-comparative law, which fails to recount the influence of Christianity on Western law and legal culture. The article invites legal scholars to reach beyond the notions of ‘religious law’ and ‘secular law’ in terms of classifying the world’s legal systems. Firstly, the article explains how comparative law has a problematic relationship with religion; secondly, it shows that, despite Christianity having been deemed a thing of the past, its influence can and should also be charted in modern law. I argue for a need to rethink the manner in which Western law is depicted as a thoroughly secular law as opposed to the religious law of exoticised others.
NAKED ENDOSPERM1, NAKED ENDOSPERM2, and OPAQUE2 interact to regulate gene networks in maize endosperm development
Authors: Wu Hao , Galli Mary , Spears Carla J , Zhan Junpeng , Liu Peng , Yadegari Ramin , Dannenhoffer Joanne M , Gallavotti Andrea , Becraft Philip W 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
NAKED ENDOSPERM1 (NKD1), NKD2, and OPAQUE2 (O2) are transcription factors important for cell patterning and nutrient storage in maize (Zea mays) endosperm. To study the complex regulatory interrelationships among these 3 factors in coregulating gene networks, we developed a set of nkd1, nkd2, and o2 homozygous lines, including all combinations of mutant and wild-type genes. Among the 8 genotypes tested, we observed diverse phenotypes and gene interactions affecting cell patterning, starch content, and storage proteins. From ∼8 to ∼16 d after pollination, maize endosperm undergoes a transition from cellular development to nutrient accumulation for grain filling. Gene network analysis showed that NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically regulate a hierarchical gene network during this period, directing cellular development early and then transitioning to constrain cellular development while promoting the biosynthesis and storage of starch, proteins, and lipids. Genetic interactions regulating this network are also dynamic. The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) showed that O2 influences the global regulatory landscape, decreasing NKD1 and NKD2 target site accessibility, while NKD1 and NKD2 increase O2 target site accessibility. In summary, interactions of NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically affect the hierarchical gene network and regulatory landscape during the transition from cellular development to grain filling in maize endosperm.
Risk factors of major bleeding detected by machine learning method in patients undergoing liver resection with controlled low central venous pressure technique
Authors: Liu Jing , Cao Bingbing , Luo Yuelian , Chen Xianqing , Han Hong , Li Li , Zeng Jianfeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Controlled low central venous pressure (CLCVP) technique has been extensively validated in clinical practices to decrease intraoperative bleeding during liver resection process; however, no studies to date have attempted to propose a scoring method to better understand what risk factors might still be responsible for bleeding when CLCVP technique was implemented.

Methods
We aimed to use machine learning to develop a model for detecting the risk factors of major bleeding in patients who underwent liver resection using CLCVP technique. We reviewed the medical records of 1077 patients who underwent liver surgery between January 2017 and June 2020. We evaluated the XGBoost model and logistic regression model using stratified K-fold cross-validation (K = 5), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the recall rate, precision rate, and accuracy score were calculated and compared. The SHapley Additive exPlanations was employed to identify the most influencing factors and their contribution to the prediction.

Results
The XGBoost classifier with an accuracy of 0.80 and precision of 0.89 outperformed the logistic regression model with an accuracy of 0.76 and precision of 0.79. According to the SHapley Additive exPlanations summary plot, the top six variables ranked from most to least important included intraoperative hematocrit, surgery duration, intraoperative lactate, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative aspartate transaminase, and Pringle maneuver duration.

Conclusions
Anesthesiologists should be aware of the potential impact of increased Pringle maneuver duration and lactate levels on intraoperative major bleeding in patients undergoing liver resection with CLCVP technique.
What is already known on this topic—Low central venous pressure technique has already been extensively validated in clinical practices, with no prediction model for major bleeding. What this study adds—The XGBoost classifier outperformed logistic regression model for the prediction of major bleeding during liver resection with low central venous pressure technique. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy—anesthesiologists should be aware of the potential impact of increased PM duration and lactate levels on intraoperative major bleeding in patients undergoing liver resection with CLCVP technique.
A Critical Legal Analysis of the Effect of the Proposed ‘Two-Pot System’ on Spouses in Unregistered Customary Marriages in South Africa
Authors: Rikhotso Teron 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
For the first time in the history of South African pension laws, a system is proposed that will enable pension fund members to access a portion of their pension benefits while still actively employed. The proposed system seeks to provide pension fund members with financial relief without requiring them to quit their jobs due to financial strain. This paper commends the government’s initiative in response, among others, to the financial problems caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper argues, however, that despite the potential beneficial effects the system may have on pension fund members, it may introduce new challenges that pension fund stakeholders have never faced before. This paper aims to highlight a potential defect in the proposed system, particularly in cases where pension benefits are included in the joint estate of a pension fund member. South African customary marriages, whether or not they are registered, are by default in community of property. The pension benefits of a member who is a spouse in these marriages form a part of the joint estate. This paper examines and proposes solutions to the challenges that the proposed system may present to spouses in unrecorded customary marriages.
Attending to Our Own Trauma: Promoting Vicarious Resilience and Preventing Vicarious Traumatization among Researchers
Authors: AbiNader Millan A , Messing Jill Theresa , Pizarro Jesenia , Kappas Mazzio Andrea , Turner B Grace , Tomlinson Laurel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Vicarious trauma refers to the cognitive and affective impacts of trauma exposure through one’s work, with traumatization indicating negative effects and resilience, positive. While vicarious trauma has been studied among practitioners, little is known about trauma exposure’s effects on researchers. This exploratory study addresses this gap through an examination of vicarious trauma policies and procedures used by a homicide research team, and aims to understand if and how research assistants (RAs) were affected by reading homicide case files, how they took care of themselves while working, and how the policies supported their well-being. Eleven RAs participated in focus groups and interviews and responded to a quantitative survey about their experiences. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. All RAs mentioned traumatic impact, noting that certain factors increased or buffeted against traumatization. RAs described several means of supporting their own well-being, such as cooking or talking with friends. Findings indicated the trauma-informed policies, and the related informal team dynamics, were core to promoting RAs’ well-being. It is imperative that future studies proactively promote vicarious resilience among team members to ensure sustainable and accurate data collection, prevent RA burnout, and effectively train future researchers to sustain their work throughout their careers.
Government Support, Professional Support, and Vicarious Trauma in Social Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Roles of Compassion Fatigue and Professional Identity
Authors: Yu Zhan , Shen Li , Huang Chenxi , Shields John , Zhao Jia-Lin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
COVID-19 has had a profound effect on frontline social workers as well as their clients, and mitigating the risk of recurrence warrants an investigation of the individual and contextual factors associated with social workers’ experience of helper-related trauma. In this study authors explore the effects of government support and professional support on social workers’ vicarious trauma and the mediating roles of compassion fatigue and professional identity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveying 388 social workers from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, during the pandemic, indicated that professional support was indirectly related to vicarious trauma while compassion fatigue played a fully mediating role. Government support had a negative direct effect on vicarious trauma, and professional identity played a partially mediating role. However, contrary to authors’ expectations, professional identity was positively rather than negatively related to vicarious trauma. These findings suggest, first, that coping strategies for compassion fatigue should be included in professional supervision and, second, that government should provide more substantive support to effectively reduce vicarious trauma among social workers during the pandemic.
Not all lasers are the same: a scoping review evaluating laser therapy for vulvodynia
Authors: Starzec-Proserpio Małgorzata , Bardin Marcela Grigol , Morin Melanie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Lasers are commonly used for treating various vaginal/vulvar conditions. To date, there is to our knowledge no available literature review on the effects of different types of lasers for the treatment of women with vulvodynia, a condition that causes chronic pain in the vulvar area.

Objectives
We sought to review the literature and summarize the existing published evidence regarding the effects of lasers for the treatment of women with vulvodynia.

Methods
A scoping review with a systematic search was conducted that included studies investigating the use of laser treatment in women with vulvodynia. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tools were used for the quality assessment. The type of laser, effects on pain and function, and participants’ perceived improvement as well as adverse events were analyzed.

Results
Eight studies investigating laser therapy were included in the analysis: 1 randomized controlled trial, 5 before-after studies, 1 nonrandomized intervention study, and 1 case report. Several types of laser therapies were identified, ranging from mild noninvasive photobiomodulation to more invasive ablative procedures. Of the 6 studies that included pain outcomes, 3 studies showed statistically significant improvements from baseline to follow-up, and 3 demonstrated a reduction in pain from subjectively interpreted data. Similarly, each of the 2 studies investigating sexual function also reported an improvement (based only on subjective interpretation). Of the 2 studies with a comparison group, neither study was adequately powered to detect between-group differences. Furthermore, 57%-78% of participants reported improvement, with 1 study showing a greater statistically significant improvement in the low-level laser therapy patient group compared to the sham laser group. Outcomes and adverse events varied depending on the type of laser used.

Conclusions
Although these studies demonstrated some benefits of laser therapy for the treatment of vulvodynia, these findings should be interpreted with caution given the scarcity of the included studies that were robust and sufficiently powered. Future research should focus on conducting well-designed randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of different types of lasers in the treatment of vulvodynia.
An emerging spectrum of therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Goetzl Edward J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDevelopment of effective preventative and therapeutic measures for Alzheimer's disease has been unsuccessful because of the long and subtly symptomatic preclinical period, difficulties obtaining tissue and biochemical data from living patients, and the many complex underlying pathogenic processes. Recent applications of sensitive specific bioimaging techniques, analyses of RNAs and proteins of neural cell‐derived extracellular vesicles in blood, and sophisticated genetic procedures in cellular and rodent models have yielded hopeful new therapeutic targets. These newer targets are described here in relation to their neural cellular location, potential genetic modifications and possible pharmacological approaches.
Prior Hospitalization, Severe Maternal Morbidity, and Pregnancy-Associated Deaths in Massachusetts From 2002 to 2019
Authors: Declercq Eugene R. , Cabral Howard J. , Liu Chia-Ling , Amutah-Onukagha Ndidiamaka , Meadows Audra , Cui Xiaohui , Diop Hafsatou 
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:
To examine demographic and clinical precursors to pregnancy-associated deaths overall and when pregnancy-related deaths are excluded.

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on a Massachusetts population–based data system linking data from live birth and fetal death certificates to corresponding delivery hospital discharge records and a birthing individual's nonbirth hospital contacts and associated death records. Exposures included maternal demographics, severe maternal morbidity (without transfusion), hospitalizations in the 3 years before pregnancy, comorbidities during pregnancy, and opioid use. In cases of postpartum deaths, hospitalization between delivery and death was examined. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy-associated death, defined as death during pregnancy or up to 1 year postpartum.

RESULTS:
There were 1,291,626 deliveries between 2002 and 2019, of which 384 were linked to pregnancy-associated deaths. Pregnancy-associated but not pregnancy-related deaths (per 100,000 deliveries) were highest for birthing people with opioid use before pregnancy (498.3), severe maternal morbidity (387.3), a comorbidity (106.3), or a prior hospitalization (88.9). In multivariable analysis, the adjusted risk ratios associated with severe maternal morbidity (9.37, 95% CI, 6.14–14.31) and opioid use (6.49, 95%, CI, 3.71–11.35) were highest. Individuals with pregnancy-associated deaths were also more likely to have been hospitalized before or during pregnancy (2.30, 95% CI, 1.62–3.26). Among postpartum deaths, more than two-thirds (69.9%) of birthing people had a hospital contact after delivery and before their death.

CONCLUSION:
Severe maternal morbidity and opioid use disorder were precursors to pregnancy-associated deaths. Individuals with pregnancy-associated but not pregnancy-related deaths experienced a history of hospital contacts during and after pregnancy before death.
Characteristics of Scoliosis in Mice Induced by Chondrocyte-specific Inactivation of L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1
Authors: Handa Makoto , Demura Satoru , Yokogawa Noriaki , Hinoi Eiichi , Hiraiwa Manami , Kato Satoshi , Shinmura Kazuya , Annen Ryohei , Kobayashi Motoya , Yamada Yohei , Nagatani Satoshi , Kurokawa Yuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2023

Study Design.
A mouse study of the Slc7a5 gene using conditional knockout to assess the effects of its inactivation on spinal deformity.

Objectives.
This study aimed to investigate whether the mice with scoliosis (induced by chondrocyte-specific inactivation of L-type amino acid transporter 1 [LAT1]) show a developmental process similar to that of pediatric scoliosis and to examine the relationship between reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and scoliosis. Furthermore, we aimed to obtain insights into elucidating the etiology and pathophysiology of scoliosis.

Summary of Background Data.
The etiology and pathogenesis of scoliosis are not fully understood despite substantial investigative efforts. LAT1 is an amino acid transporter that mediates the cellular uptake of large neutral amino acids. A recent study revealed that chondrocyte-specific inactivation of LAT1 in mice results in scoliosis (Col2a1-Cre;Slc7a5fl/fl mice: “Sko mice”).

Methods.
Body length, body weight, Cobb angle, vertebral body rotation angle, and BMD at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age were examined and statistically compared with those of normal control mice. Pathological and morphological evaluation was performed on specimens from 10-week-old euthanized mice.

Results.
The Sko mice developed thoracic scoliosis in infancy without congenital malformations. This spinal deformity progressed rapidly during growth, with diverse curve patterns and hypoplastic vertebral bodies.　Pathological examination revealed thickening of the growth plates and decreased osteoblasts, suggesting that impaired endochondral ossification was the cause of the scoliosis.　Sko mice were also observed to have decreased BMD and degraded bone microstructure. Reduced BMD and bone quality may not be the causes of the onset and progression of scoliosis in the Sko mice.

Conclusions.
In Sko mice, the characteristics of scoliosis and vertebral pathology showed many similarities with syndromic scoliosis in humans. Endochondral ossification defects may impair growth, leading to scoliosis and decreased BMD.
Annexin A5 in Patients With Severe COVID-19 Disease: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Martin Claudio M. , Slessarev Marat , Campbell Eileen , Basmaji John , Ball Ian , Fraser Douglas D. , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Mele Tina , Priestap Fran , Tschirhart Brent J. , Bentall Tracey , Lu Xiangru , Feng Qingping 
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the study design and feasibility of drug administration and safety in a randomized clinical trial of recombinant human annexin A5 (SY-005), a constitutively expressed protein with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anticoagulant properties, in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

DESIGN:
Double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

SETTING:
Two ICUs at an academic medical center.

PATIENTS/SUBJECTS:
Adults admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and requiring ventilatory or vasopressor support.

INTERVENTIONS:
SY-005, a recombinant human annexin A5, at 50 or 100 µg/kg IV every 12 hours for 7 days.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
We enrolled 18 of the 55 eligible patients (33%) between April 21, 2021, and February 3, 2022. We administered 82% (196/238) of the anticipated doses of study medication and 86% (169/196) were given within 1 hour of the scheduled time. There were no drug-related serious adverse events. We captured 100% of the data that would be required for measuring clinical outcomes in a phase 2 or 3 trial.

LIMITATIONS:
The small sample size was a result of decreasing admissions of patients with COVID-19, which triggered a stopping rule for the trial.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although enrollment was low, administration of SY-005 to critically ill patients with COVID-19 every 12 hours for up to 7 days was feasible and safe. Further clinical trials of annexin A5 for the treatment of COVID-19 are warranted. Given reduction of severe COVID-19 disease, future studies should explore the safety and effectiveness of SY-005 use in non-COVID-related sepsis.
Successful YAG Laser Treatment for Epithelial Ingrowth in Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty Interface
Authors: Commaroto Sarah A. , Hu Jimmy Y. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
To present a case of epithelial ingrowth in the graft–host interface after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) surgery that was successfully treated with an Nd:YAG Laser.

Methods:
A 79-year-old Caucasian female underwent a repeat DSEK 9 months after a prior DSEK graft rejection and subsequent failure. At her regularly scheduled 1-month follow-up visit, an asymptomatic dense white interface opacity was observed within the stromal interface, with an appearance consistent with epithelial ingrowth. The depth and location was confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. After initial observation, the opacity was noted to be growing over 2 months. The epithelial ingrowth cells were then treated with an Nd:YAG Laser.

Results:
The patient remained stable 12 months post laser treatment with no recurrence of epithelial ingrowth. Focal stromal pits were noted at the site of Nd:YAG Laser treatment within the DSEK graft stromal interface, but were not visually significant.

Conclusions:
Nd:YAG laser treatment is a safe and effective way to treat early-stage epithelial ingrowth in the interface after DSEK surgery.