bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal deployment of attention in musicians: Evidence from an attentional blink paradigm
Authors: Shen Dawei , Ross Bernhard , Alain Claude 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe generalization of music training to unrelated nonmusical domains is well established and may reflect musicians’ superior ability to regulate attention. We investigated the temporal deployment of attention in musicians and nonmusicians using scalp‐recording of event‐related potentials in an attentional blink (AB) paradigm. Participants listened to rapid sequences of stimuli and identified target and probe sounds. The AB was defined as a probe identification deficit when the probe closely follows the target. The sequence of stimuli was preceded by a neutral or informative cue about the probe position within the sequence. Musicians outperformed nonmusicians in identifying the target and probe. In both groups, cueing improved target and probe identification and reduced the AB. The informative cue elicited a sustained potential, which was more prominent in musicians than nonmusicians over left temporal areas and yielded a larger N1 amplitude elicited by the target. The N1 was larger in musicians than nonmusicians, and its amplitude over the left frontocentral cortex of musicians correlated with accuracy. Together, these results reveal musicians’ superior ability to regulate attention, allowing them to prepare for incoming stimuli, thereby improving sound object identification. This capacity to manage attentional resources to optimize task performance may generalize to nonmusical activities.
Dynamics in interbrain synchronization while playing a piano duet
Authors: Lender Anja , Perdikis Dionysios , Gruber Walter , Lindenberger Ulman , Müller Viktor 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHumans interact with each other through actions that are implemented by sensory and motor processes. To investigate the role of interbrain synchronization emerging during interpersonal action coordination, electroencephalography data from 13 pairs of pianists were recorded simultaneously while they performed a duet together. The study aimed to investigate whether interbrain phase couplings can be reduced to similar bottom‐up driven processes during synchronous play, or rather represent cognitive top‐down control required during periods of higher coordination demands. To induce such periods, one of the musicians acted as a confederate who deliberately desynchronized the play. As intended, on the behavioral level, the perturbation caused a breakdown in the synchronization of the musicians’ play and in its stability across trials. On the brain level, interbrain synchrony, as measured by the interbrain phase coherence (IPC), increased in the delta and theta frequency bands during perturbation as compared to non‐perturbed trials. Interestingly, this increase in IPC in the delta band was accompanied by the shift of the phase difference angle from in‐phase toward anti‐phase synchrony. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that interbrain synchronization is based on the interpersonal temporal alignment of different brain mechanisms and is not simply reducible to similar sensory or motor responses.
The built environment and child obesity: A review of Australian policies
Authors: Henry Anna , Fried Leanne , Nathan Andrea , Dhamrait Gursimran , Boruff Bryan , Schipperijn Jasper , Cross Donna , Beck Ben , Trapp Gina , Christian Hayley 
Published: October 2023

SummaryChild obesity is a serious public health challenge affected by both individual choice and societal and environmental factors. The main modifiable risk factors for child obesity are unhealthy eating and low levels of physical activity, both influenced by aspects of the built environment. Coordinated government policy across jurisdictions, developed using strong research evidence, can enable built environments that better support healthy lifestyles. This study reviewed current Australian and Western Australian government policies to understand if and how they address the impact of the built environment on child obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet. Current government policy documents related to the built environment and child health were analyzed using the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity framework. Ten Australian and 31 Western Australian government policy documents were identified. Most referred to the role of the built environment in supporting physical activity. Very few policies mentioned the built environment's role in reducing sedentary behaviors, supporting healthy eating, and addressing obesity. Few recognized the needs of children, and none mentioned children in policy development. Future government policy development should include the voices of children and child‐specific built environment features. Inter‐organizational policies with transparent implementation and evaluation plans are recommended.
Critical review of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflow in microbiome studies: From primer selection to advanced data analysis
Authors: Regueira‐Iglesias Alba , Balsa‐Castro Carlos , Blanco‐Pintos Triana , Tomás Inmaculada 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe multi‐batch reanalysis approach of jointly reevaluating gene/genome sequences from different works has gained particular relevance in the literature in recent years. The large amount of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequence data stored in public repositories and information in taxonomic databases of the same gene far exceeds that related to complete genomes. This review is intended to guide researchers new to studying microbiota, particularly the oral microbiota, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and those who want to expand and update their knowledge to optimise their decision‐making and improve their research results. First, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of using the 16S rRNA gene as a phylogenetic marker and the latest findings on the impact of primer pair selection on diversity and taxonomic assignment outcomes in oral microbiome studies. Strategies for primer selection based on these results are introduced. Second, we identified the key factors to consider in selecting the sequencing technology and platform. The process and particularities of the main steps for processing 16S rRNA gene‐derived data are described in detail to enable researchers to choose the most appropriate bioinformatics pipeline and analysis methods based on the available evidence. We then produce an overview of the different types of advanced analyses, both the most widely used in the literature and the most recent approaches. Several indices, metrics and software for studying microbial communities are included, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Considering the principles of clinical metagenomics, we conclude that future research should focus on rigorous analytical approaches, such as developing predictive models to identify microbiome‐based biomarkers to classify health and disease states. Finally, we address the batch effect concept and the microbiome‐specific methods for accounting for or correcting them.
Health effects of social connectedness in older adults living in congregate long‐term care settings: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence
Authors: Lim Emily , Nielsen Natalia , Lapane Lucienne , Barooah Adrita , Xu Shu , Qu Shan , McPhillips Emily , Dubé Catherine E. , Lapane Kate 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe overall impact of social connectedness on health outcomes in older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living settings is unknown. Given the unclear health impact of social connectedness for older adults in congregate long‐term care settings worldwide, a comprehensive systematic review is required to evaluate the overall relationship between social connectedness and health outcomes for them.ObjectivesThe purpose of this article was to synthesize the literature regarding the health impact of social connectedness among older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living settings.MethodsUsing PRISMA guidelines, we identified eligible studies from Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases (1990–2021). Bias and quality reporting assessment was performed using standardized criteria for cohort, cross sectional and qualitative studies. At each stage, ≥ 2 researchers conducted independent evaluations.ResultsOf the 7350 articles identified, 25 cohort (follow‐up range: 1 month–11 years; with two also contributing to cross sectional), 86 cross sectional, eight qualitative and two mixed methods were eligible. Despite different instruments used, many residents living in nursing homes and assisted living settings had reduced social engagement. Quantitative evidence supports a link between higher social engagement and health outcomes most studied (e.g. depression, quality of life). Few studies evaluated important health outcomes (e.g. cognitive and functional decline). Most cohort studies showed that lack of social connectedness accelerated time to death.ConclusionsSocial connectedness may be an important modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes for older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most studies were cross sectional and focused on quality of life and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies suggest that higher social engagement delays time to death. Evidence regarding other health outcomes important to older adults was scant and requires further longitudinal studies.
On the Health Impacts of Climatic Shocks: How Heatwaves Reduce Birthweight in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Andriano Liliana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHeatwaves are among the most important global public health challenges of our time. Yet we know little about how exposure to heatwaves (as opposed to hot days) affects health at birth, which is a key contributor to health, development, and well‐being in later life. This study addresses this shortcoming by investigating the relationship between in utero exposure to heatwave and birthweight by assessing both the timing and mechanisms of heatwave effects. I use novel georeferenced survey data on birth and pregnancy outcomes from the latest round of the Demographic and Health Surveys to link the birth outcomes of 64,210 infants across 11 sub‐Saharan African countries with high‐resolution daily climate data. I find that infants exposed to heatwave in the third trimester of gestation had significantly lower birthweight and that this effect is mediated by reduced gestational age at birth instead of reduced intrauterine growth. The effect of heatwave is concentrated among male babies and mothers with no or little formal education. By highlighting how exposure to environmental conditions early in life shapes health outcomes with far‐reaching consequences, the findings carry lessons for policymakers to protect pregnant women from heatwave exposure to mitigate the negative impact of climate change.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis: The end of the line or time for a new approach?
Authors: Newman‐Taylor Katherine , Bentall Richard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeFollowing its introduction in the early 1990s, cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) has been evaluated in a large number of clinical trials and is now established as a recommended treatment in the UK National Health Service and elsewhere in the world. Meta‐analyses, however, indicate modest effects compared to treatment as usual or comparison therapies such as supportive counselling. Here, we seek to identify factors impacting the effectiveness of CBTp, and avenues for future psychotherapy research that may improve outcomes.MethodWe outline two recent umbrella reviews and discuss factors likely to impact the effectiveness of CBTp.ResultsModest effect sizes from meta‐analyses mask heterogeneous outcomes, with some people benefiting and others possibly being harmed by therapy. Common factors such as the therapeutic alliance play an important role in determining outcomes but have been largely neglected by CBTp researchers. There is also the promise of improving outcomes by identifying and targeting the psychological mechanisms that either maintain psychotic symptoms (e.g. worry) or are causally implicated (e.g. trauma).ConclusionsIt is unlikely that everyone with psychosis will be equally responsive to the same therapeutic protocols. We need a new, personalised psychotherapy approach to CBTp research and practice, and can learn from research for anxiety and depression examining predictors of therapeutic response to inform treatment decisions. Precision psychological therapies informed by a combination of individual characteristics, common factors and a focus on specific mechanisms will require new research strategies and are likely to lead to improved outcomes for people with psychosis.
Proceedings from the Melanoma Research Foundation Mucosal Melanoma Meeting (December 16, 2022, New York, USA)
Authors: Wei Alexander Z. , Chen Lanyi N. , Orloff Marlana , Ariyan Charlotte E. , Asgari Maryam , Barker Christopher A. , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Chandra Sunandana , Couts Kasey , Frumovitz Michael M. , Futreal Andrew , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Izar Benjamin , LeBlanc Amy K. , Leitao Mario M. , Lipson Evan J. , Liu David , McCarter Martin , McQuade Jennifer L. , Najjar Yana , Rapisuwon Suthee , Selig Sara , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Yeh Iwei , Schwartz Gary K. , Guo Jun , Patel Sapna P. , Carvajal Richard D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMucosal melanoma remains a rare cancer with high mortality and a paucity of therapeutic options. This is due in significant part to its low incidence leading to limited patient access to expert care and downstream clinical/basic science data for research interrogation. Clinical challenges such as delayed and at times inaccurate diagnoses, and lack of consensus tumor staging have added to the suboptimal outcomes for these patients. Clinical trials, while promising, have been difficult to activate and accrue. While individual institutions and investigators have attempted to seek solutions to such problems, international, national, and local partnership may provide the keys to more efficient and innovative paths forward. Furthermore, a mucosal melanoma coalition would provide a potential network for patients and caregivers to seek expert opinion and advice. The Melanoma Research Foundation Mucosal Melanoma Meeting (December 16, 2022, New York, USA) highlighted the current clinical challenges faced by patients, providers, and scientists, identified current and future clinical trial investigations in this rare disease space, and aimed to increase national and international collaboration among the mucosal melanoma community in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The included proceedings highlight the clinical challenges of mucosal melanoma, global clinical trial experience, basic science advances in mucosal melanoma, and future directions, including the creation of shared rare tumor registries and enhanced collaborations.
Prediction of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children
Authors: Getsuwan Songpon , Tanpowpong Pornthep , Butsriphum Napapat , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Thirapattaraphan Chollasak , Thanachatchairattana Pornsri , Treepongkaruna Suporn 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany children respond to medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, some may require invasive intervention for refractory disease. Due to the lack of prognostic tools in children, this study aimed to develop a predictive model for refractory GERD.MethodsA retrospective review was performed in children with symptoms of GERD at a university hospital. Refractory GERD was defined as an unresponsive disease after optimal treatment with medication for >8 weeks. The predictive model was constructed based on clinical features and 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring results.ResultsA total of 205 children were included with a median (IQR) age of 0.6 (0.3, 2.0) years. Over half of the patients (59.5%) had motor disabilities. Forty‐four children (21.5%) were diagnosed with refractory GERD and subsequently underwent fundoplication. Multivariable analysis suggested that the refractory disease was associated with motor disabilities (OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 2.06–13.91), recurrent aspiration pneumonia (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24–6.26), prematurity with an onset of GERD at a post‐conceptual age <40 weeks (OR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.96–23.33), and abnormal total reflux episodes according to age (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24–6.19), but not the acid exposure time or symptom association analysis. The predictive model for refractory GERD based on associated factors revealed an area under the ROC curve of 76.8% (95% CI: 69.2%–84.3%) with a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 64% when applying a cutoff score of ≥2.5.ConclusionsThe predictive model, using clinical features and MII‐pH, may be an additional tool to predict refractory GERD in young children.
Prednisolone versus cyclosporine as initial treatment for Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kameda Satoko , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Michihata Nobuaki , Yamana Hayato , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Kohro Takahide 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated the efficacy of prednisolone and cyclosporine as initial combination treatments for the prevention of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) in patients with Kawasaki disease. However, whether prednisolone or cyclosporine results in superior clinical outcomes is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of these two treatments.MethodsUsing the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we identified patients with Kawasaki disease who had received prednisolone or cyclosporine in addition to initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment between April 2014 and March 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of CAA; secondary outcomes included intravenous immunoglobulin resistance, medical costs, and length of hospital stay. Propensity score matching was conducted to compare outcomes between the two groups.ResultsWe identified 6288 patients with Kawasaki disease who had received prednisolone (n = 6147) or cyclosporine (n = 141) as an initial treatment in combination with intravenous immunoglobulin. Four‐to‐one propensity score‐matched analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the proportion of CAA (0.7% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.098), intravenous immunoglobulin resistance, or medical costs between the treatment groups. The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the prednisolone group (14 vs. 11 days, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPrednisolone and cyclosporine used in the initial combination treatment for Kawasaki disease showed similar clinical outcomes regarding the risk of CAA, intravenous immunoglobulin resistance, and medical costs, whereas the length of hospital stay was longer in the prednisolone group than in the cyclosporine group.
Seizures in children undergoing stem cell transplantation
Authors: Turón‐Viñas Eulalia , López‐Torija Iván , Coca‐Fernández Elisabet , Badell Isabel , Sierra‐Marcos Alba , Turón Marc , Ribosa‐Nogué Roser , Boronat Susana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeurological complications (NCs) are of major concern following hematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT), most of which present with seizures.ProceduresWe performed a retrospective study (2002–2018) of patients undergoing HSCT in order to analyze the incidence and aetiologies related to seizures.ResultsOf 155 children undergoing HSCT, 27 (17.4%) developed seizures at some point in 2 years of follow‐up. The most frequent etiologies were central nervous system (CNS) infection (n = 10), drug toxicity (n = 8), and vascular disease (n = 5). A statistically significant association was found between seizure and the HSCT type (lower risk for a related identical donor,p = .010), prophylactic or therapeutic mycophenolate use (p = .043 and .046, respectively), steroid use (p = .023), selective CD45RA+ depletion (p = .002), pre‐engraftment syndrome (p = .007), and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) severity (p = .030). Seizures predicted evolution to life‐threatening complications and admission to intensive care (p < .001) and higher mortality (p = .023). A statistically significant association was also found between seizures and sequelae in survivors (p = .029). Children who developed seizures had a higher risk of CNS infection and vascular disease (odds ratio 37.25 [95% CI: 7.45–186.05] and 12.95 [95% CI 2.24–74.80], respectively).ConclusionsNeurological complications highly impact survival and outcomes and need to be addressed when facing an HSCT procedure.
Why be a relational egalitarian?
Authors: Zhuang Xuanpu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRelational egalitarians claim that a situation is just only if everyone it involves relates to one another as equals. It implies that relational egalitarians believe the ideal of “living as equals” (for short) is desirable, and furthermore, necessary for justice. In this paper, I distinguish three accounts of the desirability of the ideal: the instrumental value account, the non‐instrumental value account, and the non‐consequentialist account. I argue that the former two accounts cannot provide satisfying reasons for being a relational egalitarian. Instead, the ideal of “living as equals” ought to be understood as fundamentally a moral requirement in a non‐consequentialist sense. In addition, a pluralist (though fundamentally non‐consequentialist) approach is welcome.
Characterization, phylogeny and pathogenicity of Fusarium solani causing quinoa basal stem rot in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Yin Hui , Tian Miao , Peng Yu‐Fei , Chen Ya‐Lei , Qin Nan , Lü Hong , Sun Jiang‐Wei , Ren Lu , Zhao Xiao‐Jun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA new emerging disease of quinoa, quinoa basal stem rot (QBSR), has been recorded in Shanxi Province, China. Observed during the inflorescence emergence stage, the pathogen causes wilting, foliar chlorosis, leaf abscission and eventual death of quinoa. In this study, isolates were identified as Fusarium solani using morphology, molecular and phylogenetic analysis (using sequences of calmodulin, rDNA internal transcribed spacer region, RNA polymerase II B‐subunits RPB1 RPB1 and RPB2 RPB2, and translation elongation factor 1‐α), and pathogenicity analysis. Twenty‐seven isolates were classified into two different groups according to their morphological characteristics, and the mycelial growth rate of Group 2 was higher than that of Group 1 on six different media. The optimum growth temperature for both groups was 30°C and the highest mycelial growth rates were 9.2 and 10.0 mm/day, for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The sporodochial conidia (SC) and aerial conidia (AC) germinated normally at 15–25°C and 10–40°C, respectively, and the width of SC and AC germ tubes were 1.4 and 2.2 μm. The lethal temperature for AC was 51°C for 20 min, and SC stopped germinating at 45°C. Pathogenicity tests of representative isolates showed that mycelia or conidia caused typical symptoms of QBSR on wounded basal stems of Chenopodium quinoa at 6 days postinoculation. The optimum temperature for the onset of QBSR was 30°C for both groups of isolates, and lesion lengths ranged from 5.4 to 5.9 cm. Knowledge of this pathogen will provide useful information for effective disease management to prevent its spread.