bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Snow cover persistence as a useful predictor of alpine plant distributions
Authors: Panchard Thomas , Broennimann Olivier , Gravey Mathieu , Mariethoz Grégoire , Guisan Antoine 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimSnow cover persistence (SCP) has significant effects on plants in high‐elevation ecosystems. It determines the length of the growing season, provides insulation against low temperatures and influences water availability, thereby shaping the vegetation mosaic. Despite its importance, SCP is rarely used in plant species distribution modelling. In this study, we examine whether incorporating SCP in plant species distribution models (SDMs) improves their predictive power. We investigate the link between species' ecology and SDM improvements by the addition of various SCP predictors.LocationWestern Swiss Alps.Taxon206 alpine flowering plants (angiosperms).MethodsWe produced three maps of landsat satellite‐based SCP indices over an entire mountain region, one of them using an online open access platform allowing quick and easy replication and used them as a predictor in plant SDMs alongside commonly used predictors. We tested whether this improved the predictive performance of plant SDMs.ResultsAll three SCP indices improved the overall SDM predictive accuracy, but the overall improvement was potentially limited by their correlation with other climatic predictors. Alpine plant species known for their dependence on snow benefited more from the additional snow information.Main ConclusionsSCP should be used for predicting at least the distribution of alpine, snow‐related plant species. Given that adding snow cover improves SDMs and that snow duration decreases as climate warms, future predictions of alpine plant distributions should account for both snow predictor and associated snow change scenarios.
Evaluation of a retinol containing topical treatment to improve signs of neck aging
Authors: Sullivan Kelly , Law Robert M. , Lain Edward , Jiang Lily I. , Acevedo Summer F. , Choudhary Hina , Lee Brittany , Patel Komal , Lynch Stephen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe neck region is an area that can be indicative of signs of skin aging. A novel topical product that combines multiple active ingredients including retinol, tripeptide and glaucine was formulated to specifically target neck aging correction and complement post‐procedure as part of an integrated skincare regimen.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a topical neck treatment through clinical subject evaluation, in addition to ultrasound and biopsy assessment.MethodsEvaluation for the efficacy of this novel topical product on improving the aging signs of neck skin was performed in multiple clinical trials. The first trial focused on clinical efficacy and included clinical assessment, subject questionnaires, ultrasound imaging and digital photographs. The second trial focused on biomarker analysis through skin biopsy.ResultsData from the clinical trials showed that aging signs on the neck were significantly improved after 12 or 16 weeks of product usage. Changes were readily observed by clinical evaluators and participants. They were documented with digital photos, ultrasound images, and biomarker expression in the skin which clearly display the improvements.ConclusionsThis novel topical product is effective in treating the aging signs on the neck skin and has been shown to provide statistically significant improvement on a myriad of neck aging attributes including fine lines/wrinkles, crepiness, laxity, and texture.
Poor economics and its missing mechanisms: The case for causal mediation
Authors: Kumar Sunil Mitra , Venkatachalam Ragupathy 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA key aim of studying development is to understand the factors that shape socioeconomic progress and explain inequalities. In empirical work, the predominant focus has been on posing these questions in the language of causal inference: how one or more variables effect an outcome of interest, with the estimation of Average Treatment Effects (ATE) becoming prioritised as the key objective. The ‘credibility revolution’ and the emphasis on randomised controlled trials in research on development has cemented this dominance, because randomisation is well‐suited to estimating the ATE. This paper argues that this dual dominance—ATE as main question of interest, and experiment as preferred method—is narrow and restrictive. We propose causal mediation frameworks as an alternative, which are routinely used in disciplines including epidemiology, psychology, sociology and political science where causal mechanisms are an equally important focus. We introduce key concepts and definitions of path‐specific effects, and discuss identification and estimation approaches. We illustrate applications for development and demonstrate how causal mediation brings the focus back to contextual knowledge, combining this with empirical rigour.
Qualitative study exploring which research outcomes best reflect women’s experiences of heavy menstrual bleeding: stakeholder involvement in development of a core outcome set
Authors: Cooper Natalie Ann MacKinnon , Yorke Sarah , Tan Alex , Khan Khalid Saeed , Rivas Carol 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis work contributed to the development of a core outcome set (COS) for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The objective was to determine which research outcomes best reflect how HMB affects women’s lives and to identify additional research outcomes, not previously reported. It was important to explore and record participants’ reasoning for prioritising outcomes and use this information to reinforce the patients’ voice during later phases of the COS development.DesignPatient workshop discussions and telephone interviews.SettingEast London teaching hospital.ParticipantsInclusion criteria were that participants must be over 18 years old, that either they or their partner had a history of HMB and that they had a good understanding of written and spoken English.Results41 participants were recruited for the study. 8 women and 1 man completed the study. The eight female participants were representative of the different underlying causes and treatments for HMB. Participants ranged in age from their early 20s to their 60s and represented a range of ethnic groups. The five main themes that were identified as being important to patients were:‘restriction’, ‘relationships and isolation’, ‘emotions and self-perception’, ‘pain’and‘perceptions of treatment’. We identified eight coding nodes that did not correspond with our list of previously reported outcomes in studies of HMB. These nodes were consolidated and became five new outcomes for potential inclusion in the COS.ConclusionsHMB stops women living their lives as they would wish. It affects their relationships, education, careers, reproductive wishes, social life and mental health. This is a condition of girls and women in the prime of their lives, but for many, the constant threat of a heavy period starting means that they sacrifice that freedom. The societal and economic costs of women being incapacitated every month has an effect on everyone.Trial registrationThe COS study is registered with the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) Initiative—project reference number 789.
Effect of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation for ineffective cough on weaning duration in diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system (MEDINE): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in a neurological weaning centre
Authors: Seipp Alexander , Klausen Andreas , Timmer Antje , Grimm Teresa , Groß Martin , Summ Oliver , Otto-Sobotka Fabian 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPatients with neurological or neurosurgical disease can suffer from impaired cough, which may result in life-threatening retention of tracheobronchial secretions, atelectasis, pneumonia and finally death. Due to a lack of alternatives and pathophysiological plausibility, the application of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) has already become international standard care in neuromuscular disease and spinal cord injury although a lack of evidence for efficacy. High-quality studies to support the use of MI-E in neurological and neurosurgical patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation are missing. The goal of this exploratory study is to display the effect size of MI-E intervention on the duration of mechanical ventilation and additional outcomes.Methods and analysisOne hundred adult patients with a cough deficiency or retention of secretion admitted to a neurological intensive care unit (ICU) are planned to be recruited for this randomised controlled trial. Patients are randomised 1:1 to receive either MI-E or best standard care. Observation will take place until discharge from the hospital, death or end of the study period. The primary endpoint of this trial is the duration of mechanical ventilation from randomisation until successful weaning. The outcome will be analysed with Kaplan-Meier estimation and competing risks analyses. Secondary endpoint is the proportion of patients with successful weaning. Further outcomes will include the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia, mortality, decannulation rate, length of stay on the ICU and the total score of the Glasgow Coma Scale.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Oldenburg. The findings of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberDRKS00020981.
Functional directed acyclical graphs for scattering amplitudes in perturbation theory
Authors: Ohl Thorsten 
Published: July 2023

AbstractI describe a mathematical framework for the efficient processing of the very large sets of Feynman diagrams contributing to the scattering of many particles. I reexpress the established numerical methods for the recursive construction of scattering elements as operations on compact abstract data types. This allows efficient perturbative computations in arbitrary models, as long as they can be described by an effective, not necessarily local, Lagrangian.
de Sitter swampland conjecture in string field inflation
Authors: Sadeghi J. , Pourhassan B. , Gashti S. Noori , Sakallı İ. , Alipour M. R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we study a particular type of inflation by using non-local Friedman equations that are derived from the zero levels of string field theory and express a tachyonic action. Then, we challenge it by further refining de Sitter (dS) swampland conjecture (FRdSSC) monitoring. Therefore, we investigate some quantities, such as potential and Hubble parameters. We also consider slow-roll parameters to examine quantities such as the scalar spectrum index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio. Using straightforward calculations, we investigate this model from the swampland conjecture perspective in terms of the cosmological parameters, i.e., ($$n_s$$

n
s

), (r), and observable data such as Planck 2018, by constructing some structures such as $$(c_{1,2}-n_s)$$

(

c

1
,
2

-

n
s

)

and $$(c_{1,2}-r_s)$$

(

c

1
,
2

-

r
s

)

. Then, we make a new restriction for this conjecture as $$c_1^2c_2^2$$

c
1
2

c
2
2

and get a limit for this model in the range $$c<0.0942$$

c
<
0.0942

. We find this inflationary model is strongly in tension with the dS swampland conjecture (dSSC), i.e., $$c_1=c_2 \ne {\mathcal {O}}(1)$$

c
1

=

c
2

≠
O

(
1
)

. So, we shall challenge it with the FRdSSC, which has some free parameters, viz., $$a,b>0$$

a
,
b
>
0

, $$a+b=1$$

a
+
b
=
1

, and $$q>2$$

q
>
2

. By setting these parameters, we examine the compatibility of the mentioned conjecture with this inflationary model. Finally, we infer from this string field inflation (SFI) model that it satisfies the FRdSSC with the constraint of its free parameters a, b, and q.
Factors Affecting Intensive Aflibercept Treatment Response in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Real-World Study
Authors: Han Ye Eun , Jo Jaehyuck , Kim Yoon Jeon , Lee Junyeop 
Published: July 2023

Objective. To investigate the systemic and ocular factors that affect the response to intensive aflibercept treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME) in a real-world setting. Methods. This retrospective cohort study evaluated 30 eyes of 23 patients with DME who underwent intensive intravitreal aflibercept injections (five monthly loading doses). Treatment response was assessed by central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at each monthly visit. The patients were categorized as good (<300 μm) and suboptimal (≥300 μm) responders based on CRT after the loading phase. Baseline systemic and ocular factors associated with treatment response were investigated. Results. The mean CRT and BCVA significantly improved after five loading injections (

486.87
±
95.46

to

334.90
±
69.47

μm and

0.51
±
0.30

to

0.35
±
0.25

LogMAR, respectively, all

p
<
0.05

). During 12 months of follow-up, 16 eyes (53.33%) maintained CRT without additional treatment. Eyes with diabetes mellitus (DM) for ≥15 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate

eGFR

<
80

mL/min/1.73 m2, serum

creatinine
≥
0.95

mg/dL and

potassium
≥
4.7

mmol/L, and presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) were more likely to have a suboptimal response to the treatment. Conclusions. Five monthly loading doses of intravitreal aflibercept injection provided significant anatomical and visual improvements in patients with DME. Patients with longer DM duration, lower eGFR, higher serum creatinine or potassium levels, or ERM were predisposed to a suboptimal treatment response. Individual response to intensive aflibercept treatment for DME can be predicted by these systemic and ocular risk factors.
The Association Between Relative Deprivation, Depression, and Youth Suicide: Evidence From a Psychological Autopsy Study
Authors: Zhao Sibo , Yan Wenqun , Tao Lifan , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2023

Objective Suicide is a serious public health concern in China. In the present study, we investigated the specific mechanisms underlying relative deprivation and suicide in rural China. Methods A large psychological autopsy study was conducted in rural China, in which 392 suicides and 416 community-living controls were consecutively recruited. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between relative deprivation and suicide, with depression as a potential mediator. Results Young people who experienced relative deprivation were at a greater risk of suicide and depression. Depression plays a mediating role in the relationship between relative deprivation and suicide. Limitations Due to the limitations of the data, we cannot know whether there is mutual causation between relative deprivation and depression. The self-reported relative deprivation may also produce some influence on the results. Conclusions The current findings demonstrate the importance of relative deprivation as one of the four sources of psychological strain to explain how relative status is associated with suicide. The findings also can be translated into the clinical and preventive practice for suicide.
A Tail’s Tale: Narmer, the Catfish, and Bovine Symbolism
Authors: Sperveslage Gunnar , Heagy Thomas C. 
Published: July 2023

Impressions of two necropolis seals have been found at Abydos that show a complete sequence of First Dynasty rulers from Narmer to Den and Narmer to Qa’a, respectively. On these seals, a tail-like appendage is attached to Narmer’s name which is interpreted as a bull’s tail. In this paper, this extraordinary writing is discussed in the context of royal representation and bovine symbolism, and also in regards to the posthumous reception of Narmer as a ‘founding father’. It will be shown that during the reign of Den there was a fertile ground for innovations in general and, in particular, new visual representations. Finally, the writing of Narmer’s name is addressed in the context of sealing practice. [Formula: see text]
Cost-Effectiveness of Group Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care Settings: Economic Evaluation From the Healthcare System Perspective Over a 1-Year Time Horizon
Authors: Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Lamoureux-Lamarche Catherine , Chapdelaine Alexandra , Provencher Martin D. , Norton Peter J. , Berbiche Djamal , Roberge Pasquale 
Published: July 2023

Aim To assess the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of group transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural therapy (tCBT) added to treatment as usual (TAU) for anxiety disorders compared to TAU only from the healthcare system perspective over a 1-year time horizon. Methods Data from a pragmatic multisite randomized controlled trial where adults (18–65 years) with an anxiety disorder were randomized to tCBT + TAU ( n = 117) or TAU ( n = 114). Group tCBT is a 12-week (2h weekly sessions) community-based intervention. Health service utilization and related costs were captured from medico-administrative data and included those for the intervention, ambulatory visits, hospitalizations and medications. Effectiveness was based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The study included measures at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. Intention-to-treat and complete case analyses were carried out. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation analyses. Seemingly unrelated regression analyses were used to assess the effect of the intervention on total costs and QALYs while also adjusting for baseline confounders. The probability of cost-effectiveness of the intervention was assessed according to different willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds using the net benefit regression method. Results The ICER of tCBT + TAU as compared to TAU in the intention-to-treat analysis was $6,581/QALY. Complete case analyses showed a similar ICER of $6,642/QALY. The probability at a WTP threshold of $20,000 and $40,000 that tCBT + TAU as compared to TAU is cost-effective is 93.0% and 99.9%. Conclusion tCBT added to TAU appears to be cost-effective from the healthcare system perspective for treating adult patients with anxiety disorders. Larger trials including young and older adults as well as a range of anxiety disorders are needed to further investigate the cost-effectiveness of tCBT in different patient populations.
Nonstranger and Stranger Sexual Homicides in Mainland China: Comparing the Modus Operandi of Male Sexual Murderers
Authors: Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) 
Published: July 2023

Although studies have been made of different subtypes of individuals who committed sexual homicides, the research into nonstranger and stranger sexual homicides remains limited. This study therefore aimed to examine whether those who sexually murder nonstrangers differ from those who kill strangers. Data derived from police records, court documents, and published case reports spanning a 31 year period (1988–2018) in mainland China were used to examine the modus operandi of 127 males who committed sexual homicides (45 nonstranger and 82 stranger cases). Relative to nonstranger sexual homicides, stranger sexual homicides were more likely to have been committed by individuals with a previous sexual offense conviction and the victims were more likely to have been single and employed at the time of the offense. Furthering the analysis, a logistic regression found that individuals who targeted strangers were significantly more likely to have committed their homicide at an outdoor location, to have been sexually motivated, and to have used murder weapons that required more physical strength than those who killed nonstranger victims. These findings can be informative to law enforcement agents and security professionals in their investigative processes.
Saffron and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sadat Rafiei Seyyed Kiarash , Abolghasemi Setare , Frashidi Mahsa , Ebrahimi Shiva , Gharei Fatemeh , Razmkhah Zahra , Tavousi Najmeh , Mahmoudvand Behnaz , Faani Melika , Karimi Narges , Abdi Amir , Soleimanzadeh Mahsa , Ahmadpour Youshanlui Mahya , Sadatmadani Sayedeh-Fatemeh , Alikhani Reyhaneh , Pishkari Yasamin , Deravi Niloofar 
Published: July 2023

Background: Sleep quality is defined as an individual’s consent to sleep experience. Poor sleep quality has important adverse health outcomes. There are drugs to treat sleep disorders but consumption of these drugs is accompanied by adverse effects whereas herbal treatments have fewer side effects. Saffron is spice obtained from Crocus sativus flower. Several articles have been done on its effects on the quality of sleep and its safety. This review for the first time critically evaluates effect of saffron on sleep quality improvement. Method: The search technique aims to get all related published data-based up to 2022 articles. PubMed, Central, Google Scholar, and Scopus were examined. Only full reports were evaluated (abstracts were excluded). The first screening was done by title and abstract. Then full text of articles was read and irrelevant articles were removed. Duplicate articles were also removed by Endnote. By using Cochrane risk of bias tool assessment, a quality score based on probability of bias was given. Methodological characteristics were also evaluated using the criteria of Stevinson and Ernst. Result: In the systematic review, 5 randomized clinical trials with 379 participants from 3 countries were identified. In placebo-comparison trials, saffron contains a large treatment. Conclusion: It seems that saffron has a beneﬁcial influence on duration and quality of sleep. Saffron, crocin, and safranal induce hypnotic effects by increasing the duration of sleep. Research conducted so far provides initial support and safety for use of saffron to improve sleep quality.
Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction Associated With Intramuscular Triamcinolone Therapy for Acute Flares of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Benesh Gabrielle , Andriano Tyler M. , Hosgood H. Dean , Cohen Steven R. 
Published: July 2023

Background A lack of consensus exists regarding acute flare management in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Intramuscular triamcinolone (IMTAC) therapy is useful in numerous inflammatory conditions; however, it has not been investigated for acute HS flares. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and patient experience associated with IMTAC therapy for acute, severe HS flares. Methods Retrospective analysis and surveys of 45 HS patients were conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore HS Center, Bronx, NY, USA. Results Follow-up visits 6.77 (4.45) weeks after IMTAC therapy revealed significant reductions in mean HS-Physician Global Assessment (PGA) ( P < .001), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ( P = .03), increased hemoglobin ( P = .004), and improved pain scores ( P < .001). Adjusting for age, sex and concomitant medications, multivariate analysis yielded significantly reduced pain ( P = .02) and increased hemoglobin ( P = .03). Patient surveys indicate that IMTAC was well-tolerated, as reflected in positive mean responses for satisfaction (29 [64%]) and willingness to receive IMTAC injections again (42 [93%]). Conclusions These novel findings demonstrate that IMTAC is a safe, effective, and well accepted adjunct for acute HS management.