bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid function, adipokines and mitokines in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis: A multi‐centre biopsy‐based observational study
Authors: Kouvari Matina , Valenzuela‐Vallejo Laura , Axarloglou Evangelos , Verrastro Ornella , Papatheodoridis Georgios , Mingrone Geltrude , George Jacob , Mantzoros Christos S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThyroid axis is currently under investigation as a therapeutic target in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Thyroid function was examined herein in the full spectrum of disease.MethodsSubjects were recruited and had liver biopsies in two Gastroenterology‐Hepatology Clinics (Greece and Australia) and one Bariatric‐Metabolic Surgery Clinic (Italy). The main working sample was n = 677 subjects with MASLD after excluding subjects with abnormal free thyroxine levels. Participants were classified according to thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) standard criteria: Subclinical hyperthyroidism (<0.4 uIU/mL); Euthyroidism with relatively low (0.4 to <2.5 uIU/mL); euthyroidism with relatively high (2.5–4.0 uIU/mL); subclinical hypothyroidism (>4 uIU/mL).ResultsTSH as a continuous variable was positively associated with significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2), metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and at‐risk MASH. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with fibrosis F ≥ 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.47, 95% confident interval [CI] [1.50, 8.05], p = .02), MASH (OR = 3.44, 95% CI [1.48, 7.98] p = .001) and at‐risk MASH (OR = 3.88, 95% CI [1.76, 8.55], p = .001), before and after controlling for adiposity, central obesity, and insulin resistance. When leptin, adiponectin, or growth differentiation factor‐15 were examined as moderators, significance was lost. Sex‐specific analysis revealed a strong association between TSH and the presence of significant fibrosis among women, eliminated only when adipokines/mitokines were adjusted for. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed associations between TSH and liver outcomes (p‐values < .01) with inflection points for fibrosis F ≥ 2 being 2.49, for MASH being 2.67 and for at‐risk MASH being 6.96.ConclusionsThese observations provide support for studies on the administration of thyroid hormone in MASLD therapeutics for subclinical hypothyroidism and liver‐specific thyroid receptor agonists for subjects across the TSH continuum.
Dinucleotide biases in the genomes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic dsDNA viruses and their hosts
Authors: Forni Diego , Pozzoli Uberto , Cagliani Rachele , Sironi Manuela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe genomes of cellular organisms display CpG and TpA dinucleotide composition biases. Such biases have been poorly investigated in dsDNA viruses. Here, we show that in dsDNA virus, bacterial, and eukaryotic genomes, the representation of TpA and CpG dinucleotides is strongly dependent on genomic G + C content. Thus, the classical observed/expected ratios do not fully capture dinucleotide biases across genomes. Because a larger portion of the variance in TpA frequency was explained by G + C content, we explored which additional factors drive the distribution of CpG dinucleotides. Using the residuals of the linear regressions as a measure of dinucleotide abundance and ancestral state reconstruction across eukaryotic and prokaryotic virus trees, we identified an important role for phylogeny in driving CpG representation. Nonetheless, phylogenetic ANOVA analyses showed that few host associations also account for significant variations. Among eukaryotic viruses, most significant differences were observed between arthropod‐infecting viruses and viruses that infect vertebrates or unicellular organisms. However, an effect of viral DNA methylation status (either driven by the host or by viral‐encoded methyltransferases) is also likely. Among prokaryotic viruses, cyanobacteria‐infecting phages resulted to be significantly CpG‐depleted, whereas phages that infect bacteria in the genera Burkolderia and Staphylococcus were CpG‐rich. Comparison with bacterial genomes indicated that this effect is largely driven by the general tendency for phages to resemble the host's genomic CpG content. Notably, such tendency is stronger for temperate than for lytic phages. Our data shed light into the processes that shape virus genome composition and inform manipulation strategies for biotechnological applications.
Akkermansia muciniphila improves chronic colitis‐induced enteric neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Yilmaz Ozgur , Okullu Sinem Oktem , Catakci Merve , Elmas Merve Acikel , Pinheiro Yuri , Arbak Serap , Demir Ekin , Schaefer Karl Herbert , Kolgazi Meltem 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic diseases that are not fully understood. Drugs in use can only be applied for a short time due to their side effects. Therefore, research is needed to develop new treatment approaches. In addition, it has been proven that IBD causes degeneration in the enteric nervous system (ENS). In recent years, it has been discussed that probiotics may have positive effects in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory enteric degeneration. Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is an anaerobic bacterium found in the mucin layer of the intestinal microbiota. It has been found that the population of A. muciniphila decreases in the case of different diseases. In light of this information, the curative effect of A. muciniphila application on colitis‐induced inflammation and enteric degeneration was investigated.MethodsIn this study, 5 weeks of A. muciniphila treatment in Trinitro‐benzene‐sulfonic acid (TNBS)–induced chronic colitis model was investigated. Colon samples were examined at microscopic, biochemical, and molecular levels. Fecal samples were collected before, during, and after treatment to evaluate the population changes in the microbiota. Specific proteins secreted from the ENS were evaluated, and enteric degeneration was examined.ResultsAs a result of the research, the ameliorative effects of A. muciniphila were shown in the TNBS colitis model‐induced inflammation and ENS damage.DiscussionIn light of these results, A. muciniphila can potentially be evaluated as a microbiome‐based treatment for IBD with further clinical and experimental studies.
Early dental implant failure associated with postoperative infection: A retrospective 21‐year study
Authors: Sagnori Renata Silveira , da Fonseca Vitor José , Lima Luciano Henrique Ferreira , Goulart Douglas Rangel , Asprino Luciana , de Moraes Márcio , Sverzut Alexander Tadeu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimThere are several causes related to early dental implant failure, and infection is one of the most common risk factors in the initial phase of osseointegration. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate early dental implant failure associated with postoperative infection and identify the factors associated with such failure.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, and the main predictor variable was early dental implant failure. The main cause of failure was postoperative infection, including factors related to early loss due to infection, such as installation site, type of implant–abutment connection used and presence of previous bone graft. Appropriate descriptive and multivariate statistics were computed, and Chi‐square tests and logistic binary regression were used to identify the factors related to early failure.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 1674 patients, who had 4886 implants installed and were selected for statistical analysis. A total of 3219 implants were inserted in women and 1667 in men. The main outcome variable was early implant failure due to infection. There were 164 early failures in the study, accounting for 3.3% of the sample. Of those failures, 35 were a consequence of postoperative infection, resulting in 21.34% of early failures. The main risk factor identified was the presence of infection (odds ratio [OR] = 53.67, with 95% confidence interval [CI]).ConclusionsThe study's results suggest that infection may be considered a risk factor for early failure of osseointegrated implants.
Liposomal bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane blocks for lower abdominal surgery
Authors: Osuchukwu Obiyo , Gagnon James , Richard Janelle , Craig Wendy , Quaye Aurora 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundTransversus abdominis plane blocks are an established method of postoperative analgesia for abdominopelvic surgeries. Liposomal bupivacaine is an extended‐release formulation of bupivacaine providing up to 72 h of analgesia. This study aims to determine if transversus abdominis plane blocks performed with liposomal bupivacaine are associated with reduced opioid consumption and level of pain intensity compared to conventional bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution between December 2020 and December 2021. After institutional review board approval, we identified patients who underwent lower abdominopelvic surgery with transversus abdominis plane blocks done with liposomal or conventional bupivacaine and collected demographic, clinical, and procedural information for analysis. We compared total opioid consumption over 72‐h postoperatively in milligram morphine equivalents (MME), frequency of opioid utilization, and average level of pain intensity between groups. These outcomes were also evaluated after adjusting for covariates. Data were presented as mean ± SD, median [IQR] or frequency (%), as appropriate; p < 0.05 was accepted as significant.ResultsA total of 178 patients met inclusion criteria, with 79 patients receiving an admixture of liposomal bupivacaine and conventional bupivacaine and 99 patients receiving conventional bupivacaine. The liposomal bupivacaine group had a median opioid consumption 72‐h postoperatively of 47.5 [18–91.8] MME compared to 88 [43.8–160] MME in the conventional bupivacaine group, p = 0.045. Differences in opioid consumption between the groups did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, p = 0.11. There was no significant difference in frequency of opioid use or average pain intensity.ConclusionTransversus abdominis plane blocks using an admixture of liposomal bupivacaine conventional bupivacaine are not associated with decreased opioid consumption or reduced pain up to 72 h following elective abdominopelvic surgery.
Effectiveness of motor imagery in complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Ríos‐León Marta , Cuñado‐González Álvaro , Domínguez‐Fernández Silvia , Martín‐Casas Patricia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of motor imagery (MI) on pain intensity and disability in individuals with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).MethodsA systematic search was conducted in various electronic databases to identify all relevant studies: PubMed, CINAHL, WOS, PEDro, CENTRAL, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of MI in individuals with CRPS were included. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, the methodological quality was evaluated using PEDro scale, and the level of evidence was reported according to the GRADE. Between‐groups standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated.ResultsSix studies were included. The meta‐analysis found moderate‐quality evidence that MI improves pain intensity and related disability as immediate (pain: SMD −1.07, 95% CI: −1.53 to −0.60; disability: SMD 1.05, 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.51), short‐term (pain: SMD −1.28, 95% CI: −2.14 to −0.42; disability: SMD 1.37; 95% CI: 0.16 to 2.58), and long‐term effects (pain: SMD −1.18; 95% CI: −1.89 to −0.46; disability: SMD 1.18; 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.89), as compared with a comparison group. The risk of bias of the trials was relatively low, but the imprecision of the results downgraded the level of evidence.ConclusionsModerate‐quality evidence suggests a positive effect of MI for improving pain intensity and disability immediately after and at short‐term in individuals with CRPS.
Comparison of different methods of screening to identify intimate partner violence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sharps Phyllis , Bullock Linda , Perrin Nancy , Campbell Jacquelyn , Hill Kimberly , Kanu Iye , Norling Meg , Russell Nancy G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveScreening for intimate partner violence in the home is often challenging due to the lack of privacy. The aim of this study was to compare two different screening methods (paper‐pencil vs. tablet) for identifying intimate partner violence during perinatal home visits.DesignRandomized control trial.SamplePregnant women (N = 416) in perinatal home visiting programs were randomized to either paper‐pencil or computer assisted, intimate partner violence screening.MeasurementsThe Abuse Assessment Screen was used to screen for physical and sexual IPV and Women's Experiences with Battering for emotional intimate partner violence.ResultsNo significant differences in prevalence were found between the screening methods. Intimate partner violence prevalence rates for the year before and/or during pregnancy using paper‐pencil was 21.8% versus 24.5% using tablets (p = .507). There were significant differences in prevalence among the three race/ethnic groups (Caucasian, 36.9%; African American, 26.7%; Hispanics, 10.6%; p < .001) and significant differences in rates across three geographical areas: urban 16.0%; rural 27.6%, suburban women 32.3% (p < .001).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that both methods are useful for identifying intimate partner violence during perinatal home visits.
Role of innate host defense proteins in oral cancerogenesis
Authors: Winter Jochen , Jepsen Søren 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIt is nowadays well accepted that chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation and progression. Under this aspect, the oral cavity is predestined to examine this connection because periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease and oral squamous cell carcinomas are the most common oral malignant lesions. In this review, we describe how particular molecules of the human innate host defense system may participate as molecular links between these two important chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Specific focus is directed toward antimicrobial polypeptides, such as the cathelicidin LL‐37 and human defensins, as well as S100 proteins and alarmins. We report in which way these peptides and proteins are able to initiate and support oral tumorigenesis, showing direct mechanisms by binding to growth‐stimulating cell surface receptors and/or indirect effects, for example, inducing tumor‐promoting genes. Finally, bacterial challenges with impact on oral cancerogenesis are briefly addressed.
The politics of problems versus solutions: Policymaking and grandstanding in congressional hearings
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan , Park Ju Yeon , Theriault Sean M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSeveral theories of policy change posit that the politics of defining and prioritizing problems differs from the politics of devising and selecting solutions. The former involves simplifying through heuristics like indicators and ideology while the latter incorporates policy analysis and expertise to a greater degree. By employing two large datasets of U.S. congressional hearings to analyze policymakers' behavior of sending political messages, which we call “grandstanding,” we offer two findings. First, consistent with our hypotheses, grandstanding is more prevalent when committees are focused on new and emerging problems than when committees examine proposed alternatives or the implementation of existing policies. Second, the cognitive dynamics of problem solving and the incentives to grandstand vary depending on policy issues considered in hearings. Our analysis helps put dissatisfaction with contemporary U.S. policymaking in context: a rise in “messaging politics” derives at least in part from an increased focus on contesting the problem space in agenda‐setting venues.
Older people and care networks in rural areas: An exploratory study in Italy
Authors: Arlotti Marco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA care crisis concept has been introduced in the literature to describe the growing decoupling process between the expanding care needs of older people and the difficulties of informal and family networks in coping. These changes happened in rural areas quicker and with greater intensity than in urban areas.Against this background, the article investigates older people living in rural areas in Italy and focuses on care networks. The analysis draws on an exploratory study conducted in three rural areas, based on 48 interviews with older people living alone at home and with different degrees of functional limitations and care needs.The research findings highlight the emergence of a complex scenario characterised by different configurations of care networks and coping strategies of adaptation and reorganisation. At the same, the research suggests further research lines to capture the multifaceted dimensions and multiple inequalities related to the care crisis in rural areas.
A Hybrid Method Combining Data-Driven and Model-Based Algorithms for External Force-Sensing and Haptics Control of Cable-Pulley-Driven Surgical Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Wang Zhengyu , Yu Xiang , Hai Mingxin , Qian Sen , Wang Daoming , Li Ziqian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The implementation of the high-precision tracking control and external force-sensing ability of a manipulator is important for achieving refined surgical robot operation. In this paper, a hybrid method based on data-driven and model-based algorithms is proposed for the manipulator of a cable-pulley-driven surgical robot. This method integrates an artificial neural network and a dynamic model rotation angle estimation, and a full closed-loop control architecture is further constructed. The algorithm compensates for the hysteresis of the joint angle and effectively improves the tracking control precision. Based on the architecture, the external force estimator (EFE) using a joint torque disturbance observer and the force interaction teleoperation control strategy using a direct force feedback framework (DFF) are implemented. In the force loading experiment, it was shown that the EFE performs well for static and dynamic force estimation, and the teleoperated haptic control experiment showed that the DFF-EFE-based system has a high position-tracking accuracy with real-time external force-sensing ability.
Impact of the Bars Behavior on the Design of Soft Tensegrities
Authors: Sand Jérémy , Geiskopf François , Abdelaziz Salih , Poignet Philippe , Renaud Pierre 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Soft tensegrity is a recent concept, which can be described as a prestressed assembly of soft cables in tension and bars in compression. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the bar behavior on the mechanical properties of a tensegrity. This is achieved through the change of bar material, from soft (e.g., silicone) to stiff (e.g., steel) materials. First, we show that it is possible to make a self-supporting tensegrity where both cables and bars are made of soft material. Second, we highlight that the bar material impacts the isotropy of the stiffness matrix of the tensegrity and the range of achievable stiffness. Lastly, we demonstrate that the bar material has a significant impact on the precision of stiffness variation, when active elements are integrated into the tensegrity. From these effects, we extract design guidelines for the choice of bar material in a soft tensegrity.
Sensitivity Analysis of Performance Tests for Six-Degree-of-Freedom Serial Industrial Robots
Authors: Wang Ling , Wu Xiaoliang , Gao Yanfeng , Chen Xiai , Wang Binrui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The international standard ISO 9283:1998 is popular for performance tests of industrial robots at present. It is desirable that the tests described in this standard should be sensitive to error sources of robot end positioning/orientation. In this paper, first, the kinematic and the joint stiffness model parameters are identified experimentally for two models of six-DOF (degree-of-freedom) serial industrial robots (i.e., the ABB IRB 1410 and UR5 robots). Then, the standard deviations of the derived model parameters are obtained as error inputs for the sensitivity analysis of the performance tests including the positioning/orientation accuracy/repeatability tests. By simulating the error sensitivity of the positioning/orientation accuracy/repeatability test methods for industrial robots, it is analyzed whether the tests described in the ISO 9283:1998 Standard are sensitive to the focused error sources, showing the limitations of the evaluation index of the ISO 9283:1998 Standard. The results show that for six-DOF serial industrial robots, the positioning accuracy test is the key to determining their motion performance. The orientation accuracy and repeatability tests are not necessary if the positioning accuracy and repeatability tests can be done for six-DOF serial industrial robots. Finally, the improvement suggestion of the performance test method is proposed. The research of this paper is beneficial for improving the performance evaluation methods of industrial robots. It can also help robot manufacturing enterprises analyze and improve the positioning/orientation accuracy/repeatability of their products.
Paediatric shadowing: a student-led initiative to increase medical student interest in paediatric careers
Authors: Zaloum Safiya A , Kherati Rida , Khun Sokhun Solyndar , Ng Amy Yi-Lin , Przypasniak Zofia , Ravimani Sowjenya , Morrissey Benita , Minson Susie 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionClinical exposure to paediatrics increases student interest in the specialty. However, the paediatric placement is relatively short and usually falls towards the end of medical school in the UK. A student-led shadowing scheme was developed to provide opportunities for medical students, including those at an early stage, to experience clinical paediatrics.MethodsPaediatric society members could apply for a shadowing day in the scheme run in 2022 and 2023. Feedback was collected following the day. Free text answers on learning points and the impact of shadowing on views of paediatrics were analysed using a framework approach. Knowledge of the role of a paediatrician and consideration of a career in paediatrics were rated on a 5-point Likert scale before and after the shadowing day.Results66 and 37 students completed shadowing days in cycles 1 and 2, respectively. Students’ knowledge of the role of the paediatrician and consideration of a career in paediatrics increased significantly after the shadowing scheme. The key themes that participating year 1–2 students gained from the scheme were: increased interest in paediatrics, increased knowledge about the specialty, challenges and decision-making in paediatrics, variety within paediatrics, communication skills, working with families, improving practical skills and some overwhelming first clinical experiences.DiscussionA student-run shadowing scheme is a novel and sustainable way to provide early exposure to paediatrics in medical school. This will help to develop interest in paediatrics from the start of medical school, as clinical exposure is a key factor in choosing paediatrics once qualified.