bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal stability of progression‐related microglial activity during teriflunomide treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lehto Jussi , Nylund Marjo , Matilainen Markus , Sucksdorff Marcus , Vuorimaa Anna , Rajander Johan , Wahlroos Saara , Hariri Parisa , Airas Laura 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to study brain innate immune cell activation in teriflunomide‐treated patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.MethodsImaging with 18‐kDa translocator protein positron emission tomography (TSPO‐PET) using the [11C]PK11195 radioligand was employed to assess microglial activity in the white matter, thalamus and areas surrounding chronic white matter lesions in 12 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis who had been treated with teriflunomide for at least 6 months before inclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure lesion load and brain volume, and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was used to detect iron rim lesions. These evaluations were repeated after 1 year of inclusion. Twelve age‐ and gender‐matched healthy control subjects were imaged for comparison.ResultsHalf of the patients had iron rim lesions. In TSPO‐PET, the proportion of active voxels indicating innate immune cell activation was slightly greater amongst patients compared with healthy individuals (7.7% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.033). The mean distribution volume ratio of [11C]PK11195 was not significantly different in the normal‐appearing white matter or thalamus amongst patients versus controls. Amongst the treated patients, no significant alteration was observed in positron emission tomography distribution volume ratio, the proportion of active voxels, the number of iron‐rim‐positive lesions, lesion load or brain volume during follow‐up.ConclusionsCompared to controls, treated patients exhibited modest signs of diffuse innate immune cell activity, which was unaltered during follow‐up. Lesion‐associated smoldering inflammation was negligible at both timepoints. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying both TSPO‐PET and QSM‐MRI to longitudinally evaluate smoldering inflammation.
Emancipatory approaches in couples' intervention research
Authors: Daire Andrew P. , Carlson Ryan G. , Pointer Ashley 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA lack of diversity exists in couples research with an overrepresentation of white, middle to upper income couples. Additionally, researchers often do not reflect the study sample, particularly when studying underrepresented minority and historically marginalized (URM‐HM) populations. Emancipatory research practices focus on language, processes, and practices to ensure that researchers and the research they conduct honor and contribute to the empowerment of the URM‐HM research participants. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss five critical considerations with recommendations for emancipatory research practices for including couples from URM‐HM populations. The aim is to provide a framework for researchers to critically reflect on their work with URM‐HM populations. The research practices include: (a) research positionality and reflexivity; (b) understanding of the population being served; (c) power and empowerment; (d) accountability, voice, and participant engagement; and (e) research that benefits URM‐HM populations and challenges the systems that perpetuate inequities. Additionally, we present practical strategies to implement these five considerations based on our own experiences conducting community‐effectiveness studies with low‐income and diverse couples.
Middle Low German thieves’ tales: Ambivalent narratives and cultural adaptations
Authors: Standke Matthias 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe article deals with the medieval reception of a story originating in the Histories of Herodotus about an Egyptian thief who wins recognition from the pharaoh for his skill. It focuses on late medieval Middle Low German texts (an exemplum from the Historia septem Sapientium and the Deif van Brugghe), in which the ancient narrative was not only translated into the vernacular but also adapted to explore contemporary cultural concerns. For example, a narrative of failing knights thematizes the rejection of the idea of chivalry, and a narrative of a thief's steep social ascent through assimilating behavior reveals ambivalent attitudes toward the hegemonic courtly culture. Inasmuch as the narratives were primarily translated in Middle Low German, they reflect cultural peculiarities of the North German cultural area that are rarely considered in recent medievalist research.
Tapping into the power of coproduction and knowledge mobilisation: Exploration of a facilitated interactive group learning approach to support equity‐sensitive decision‐making in local health and care services
Authors: Cloke Jane , Hassan Shaima , Goodall Mark , Ring Adele , Saini Pooja , Tahir Naheed , Gabbay Mark 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe report on a study of a facilitated interactive group learning approach, through Collaborative Implementation Groups (CIGs), established to enhance capacity for equity‐sensitive evaluation of healthcare services to inform local decision‐making: (1) What was the experience of participants of the CIGs? (2) How was knowledge mobilisation achieved? (3) What are the key elements that enhance the process of coproducing equity‐sensitive evaluations?MethodsA thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from focus group (FG) discussions and semistructured interviews exploring the experiences of participants. All FGs included representation of participants from different projects across the programme. Interviews were conducted with a member from each of the teams participating in the first cohort after their final workshop.ResultsWe identified four themes to illustrate how the approach to delivering intensive and facilitated training supported equity‐sensitive evaluations of local healthcare services: (1) Creating the setting for coproduction and knowledge mobilisation; (2) establishing a common purpose, meaning and language for reducing health inequalities; (3) making connections and brokering relationships and (4) challenging and transforming the role of evaluation.ConclusionWe report on the implementation of a practical example of engaged scholarship, where teams of healthcare staff were supported with resources, interactive training and methodological advice to evaluate their own services, enabling organisations to assemble timely practical and relevant evidence that could feed directly into local decision‐making. By encouraging mixed teams of practitioners, commissioners, patients, the public and researchers to work together to coproduce their evaluations, the programme also aimed to systematise health equity into service change. The findings of our study illustrate that the approach to delivering training gave participants the tools and confidence to address their organisation's stated aims of reducing health inequalities, coproduce evaluations of their local services and mobilise knowledge from a range of stakeholders.Patient or Public ContributionThe research question was developed collaboratively with researchers, partner organisations and public advisers (PAs). PAs were involved in meetings to agree on the focus of this research and to plan the analysis. N. T. is a PA and coauthor, contributing to the interpretation of findings and drafting of the paper.
How culture influences the strengthening of market principles in conservative welfare states: The case of long‐term care policy
Authors: Eggers Thurid , Grages Christopher , Pfau‐Effinger Birgit 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHow much, and in what ways, do cultural ideas contribute to understanding cross‐national differences in the extent of long‐term care (LTC) policy marketisation? We argue that differences in cultural ideas in the political sphere about ‘ideal’ ways of organising the provision of care shed light on these differences, relatively independently of the governing parties' positions on the left/right spectrum. Our comparative case study of two conservative welfare states, Germany and Austria, supports this argument. LTC policy marketisation in the mid‐1990s was, in both cases, based on left‐libertarian ideas. While these ideas gained strong political support from parties across the left/right spectrum in Austria, they were combined with etatist ideas in Germany, resulting in a substantially lower potential for marketisation in Germany's LTC policy. Our study also shows that, by contrast with neo‐liberal ideas, left‐libertarian ideas address care recipients' self‐determination and divert attention away from social problems associated with LTC marketisation.
A novel Canadian multidisciplinary acute care pathway for people hospitalised with a diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Zamzam Abdelrahman , McLaren Ann‐Marie , Ram Emily , Syed Muzammil H. , Rave Sreenath , Lu Suzanne H. , Al‐Omran Mohammed , de Mestral Charles 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis manuscript describes the implementation and initial evaluation of a novel Canadian acute care pathway for people with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented an acute care pathway for patients with a DFU who presented to the emergency department (ED) and required hospitalisation at a tertiary care hospital in Canada. Processes of care, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalisation costs were considered through retrospective cohort study of all DFU hospitalizations from pathway launch in December 2018 to December 2020. There were 82 DFU‐related hospital admissions through the ED of which 55 required invasive intervention: 28 (34.1%) minor amputations, 16 (19.5%) abscess drainage and debridement, 6 (7.3%) lower extremity revascularisations, 5 (6.1%) major amputations. Mean hospital LOS was 8.8 ± 4.9 days. Mean hospitalisation cost was $20 569 (±14 143): $25 901 (±15 965) when surgical intervention was required and $9279 (±7106) when it was not. LOS and hospitalisation costs compared favourably to historical data. An acute care DFU pathway can support the efficient evaluation and management of patients hospitalised with a DFU. A dedicated multidisciplinary DFU care team is a valuable resource for hospitals in Canada.
The role of family in supporting adherence to diabetes self‐care management practices: An umbrella review
Authors: Busebaia Toqa Jameel Abbas , Thompson Jill , Fairbrother Hannah , Ali Parveen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsSynthesize a review of reviews of the family's role in supporting adherence to diabetes self‐care management practices (DSMP) for adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2).DesignAn umbrella review.Data sourcesScopus, Web of Science including MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCO, PubMed and Science Direct were searched for systematic reviews from their year of establishment until June 2021.Review methodsThe review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for umbrella reviews. The JBI data extraction form for systematic reviews and research syntheses was used for data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic reviews and Research Syntheses.ResultsNineteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. The key findings were summarized using a narrative and thematic analysis methods. Four main themes were identified: family interactions and diabetes self‐management, family support as informal social support, factors affecting families’ roles, and tailoring culturally sensitive family‐based interventions.ConclusionThere appears to be a consensus regarding the impact of family on adults' self‐management of DM2. Additional research is needed to comprehend the role of the family in underrepresented populations and examine what constitutes a family and the diverse family functions in different groups.ImpactEnhancing adherence to self‐care management practices is crucial for the well‐being of adults with DM2. Family support is a key to successful self‐care management at home. However, understanding the unique needs of adults with DM2 and their families can help healthcare professionals plan appropriate support strategies and sustainable family‐based interventions.No Patient or public contributionThis review did not incorporate direct patients or public input as it summarizes evidence from previously published systematic reviews.
Conserved H3K27me3‐associated chromatin looping mediates physical interactions of gene clusters in plants
Authors: Sun Linhua , Cao Yuxin , Li Zhu , Liu Yi , Yin Xiaochang , Deng Xing Wang , He Hang , Qian Weiqiang 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTHigher‐order chromatin organization is essential for transcriptional regulation, genome stability maintenance, and other genome functions. Increasing evidence has revealed significant differences in 3D chromatin organization between plants and animals. However, the extent, pattern, and rules of chromatin organization in plants are still unclear. In this study, we systematically identified and characterized long‐range chromatin loops in the Arabidopsis 3D genome. We identified hundreds of long‐range cis chromatin loops and found their anchor regions are closely associated with H3K27me3 epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these chromatin loops are dependent on Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, suggesting that the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) complex is essential for establishing and maintaining these novel loops. Although most of these PcG‐medicated chromatin loops are stable, many of these loops are tissue‐specific or dynamically regulated by different treatments. Interestingly, tandemly arrayed gene clusters and metabolic gene clusters are enriched in anchor regions. Long‐range H3K27me3‐marked chromatin interactions are associated with the coregulation of specific gene clusters. Finally, we also identified H3K27me3‐associated chromatin loops associated with gene clusters in Oryza sativa and Glycine max, indicating that these long‐range chromatin loops are conserved in plants. Our results provide novel insights into genome evolution and transcriptional coregulation in plants.
Self‐marked preparation of site‐specific transmission electron microscope lamellae of nanodevices using focusing ion beam technique
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Lu Haozhe , Jin Chuanhong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe precise extraction of a thin slice (lamellae) from nano electronic devices using a focused ion beam (FIB) is crucial for transmission electron microscopy analysis, but it remains a challenge for 100 nm and beyond scale device components. In this study, we introduce a new method that utilises the device's own features as markers during FIB thinning process by continuously monitoring the intermediate structures with secondary electron scanning electron microscopy (SE‐SEM) imaging. This allows for the targeted extraction of the desired device component with high precision. We successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by extracting lamellae from 100 nm length channel in arrayed carbon nanotube film field‐effect transistors using FIB lift‐out.
A polygenic risk score to help discriminate primary adrenal insufficiency of different etiologies
Authors: Aranda‐Guillén Maribel , Røyrvik Ellen Christine , Fletcher‐Sandersjöö Sara , Artaza Haydee , Botusan Ileana Ruxandra , Grytaas Marianne A. , Hallgren Åsa , Breivik Lars , Pettersson Maria , Jørgensen Anders P. , Lindstrand Anna , Vogt Elinor ,   The Norwegian Addison Registry Study Group, The Swedish Addison Registry Study Group, Husebye Eystein S. , Kämpe Olle , Wolff Anette S. Bøe , Bensing Sophie , Johansson Stefan , Eriksson Daniel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Despite its exceptionally high heritability, tools to estimate disease susceptibility in individual patients are lacking. We hypothesized that polygenic risk score (PRS) for AAD could help investigate PAI pathogenesis in pediatric patients.MethodsWe here constructed and evaluated a PRS for AAD in 1223 seropositive cases and 4097 controls. To test its clinical utility, we reevaluated 18 pediatric patients, whose whole genome we also sequenced. We next explored the individual PRS in more than 120 seronegative patients with idiopathic PAI.ResultsThe genetic susceptibility to AAD—quantified using PRS—was on average 1.5 standard deviations (SD) higher in patients compared with healthy controls (p < 2e − 16), and 1.2 SD higher in the young patients compared with the old (p = 3e − 4). Using the novel PRS, we searched for pediatric patients with strikingly low AAD susceptibility and identified cases of monogenic PAI, previously misdiagnosed as AAD. By stratifying seronegative adult patients by autoimmune comorbidities and disease duration we could delineate subgroups of PRS suggesting various disease etiologies.ConclusionsThe PRS performed well for case‐control differentiation and susceptibility estimation in individual patients. Remarkably, a PRS for AAD holds promise as a means to detect disease etiologies other than autoimmunity.
Comparison of oxidative stress markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women
Authors: Şimşek Oya Kaya , Baser Ulku , Özgünler Özgür , Demirci Oya , Aydin Abdurrahman Fatİh , Kucukgergin Canan , Yalcin Funda 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveTo compare oxidative stress (OS) markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to investigate the association between periodontal health/diseases and OS and GDM.MethodEighty women with GDM and 80 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Medical and clinical anamnesis was obtained from all the pregnant women included in the study, and their plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were performed. GCF, saliva, and serum samples were collected for the measurements of the local and systemic total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS).ResultsClinical periodontal parameters were found to be significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the control group. The serum and saliva TAS, TOS, and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group. In the analysis of the GCF samples, the mean TAS and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower and the TOS value was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group. The multivariate reduced model indicated that gravidity, salivary TAS/TOS, and GCF TAS were significant independent variables in the development of GDM (p < .05).ConclusionOur results indicated that the OS of serum, saliva, and GCF samples increased in patients with GDM compared to healthy pregnant women. The role of local OS parameters in GDM may be associated with elevated clinical periodontal parameters.
Explaining the Relationship between Religiosity and Political Participation: The Mediating Roles of Transcendent Accountability and Religiopolitical Awareness
Authors: Jang Sung Joon , Brown Brandon M. , Witvliet Charlotte V. O. , Leman Joseph , Johnson Byron R. , Bradshaw Matt 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPrior research tends to find a positive relationship between religiosity and political participation. Explanations of this relationship have focused mostly on religiosity‐generated organizational resources (e.g., civic skills), while paying less attention to psychological resources. We simultaneously examined different aspects of religiosity (belief, behavior, and belonging) and political participation (electoral and nonelectoral) in a structural equation model with two psychological resources as mediators: (1) “transcendent accountability”—seeing oneself as responsible to God or a higher power for one's impact on other people and the environment, and (2) “religiopolitical awareness”—perceiving the influence of one's religion and/or spirituality on one's political views and activities. Results from analyzing survey data from a US representative sample showed that transcendent accountability and religiopolitical awareness, whether together or awareness only, mediated positive relationships between religiosity (belief, private and public behaviors, and membership) and political participation (voting and other political activity), highlighting key psychological motivators of political participation.
Escherichia coli‐associated follicular cystitis in dogs: Clinical and pathologic characterization
Authors: Viitanen Sanna J. , Tuomisto Laura , Salonen Nina , Eskola Katariina , Kegler Kristel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundFollicular cystitis is an uncommon inflammatory change in the urinary bladder wall characterized by the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in the submucosa.ObjectivesTo characterize clinical and pathologic features of follicular cystitis in dogs and to explore in situ distribution and possible role of Escherichia coli as an associated cause.AnimalsEight dogs diagnosed with follicular cystitis and 2 control dogs.MethodsRetrospective descriptive study. Dogs diagnosed with follicular cystitis (macroscopic follicular lesions in the urinary bladder mucosa and histopathologic detection of TLSs in bladder wall biopsies) were identified from medical records. Paraffin embedded bladder wall biopsies were subject to in situ hybridization for E. coli 16SrRNA identification.ResultsFollicular cystitis was diagnosed in large breed (median weight 24.9 kg, interquartile range [IQR] 18.8‐35.4 kg) female dogs with a history of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs; median duration of clinical signs 7 months, IQR 3‐17 months; median number of previous UTIs 5, IQR 4‐6). Positive E. coli 16SrRNA signal was detected within developing, immature and mature TLSs in 7/8 dogs, through submucosal stroma in 8/8 dogs and within the urothelium in 3/8 dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceChronic inflammation associated with an intramural E. coli infection in the urinary bladder wall represents a possible triggering factor for the development of follicular cystitis.
Phenotypic cross‐species conservation and cross‐generation directionality switching in epigenetic inheritance
Authors: Bhalla Ameek , Sharma Abhay 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEvidence supporting non‐DNA sequence‐based inheritance in animals has increasingly been described in recent years, often under intergenerational inheritance or transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). Existence of the latter, a stronger indicator of germline transmission, has been demonstrated in invertebrates and mammals alike. The mechanisms and physiological implications of TEI, however, remain unclear. Here, in an unbiased approach, we compared existing transcriptomic data associated with so far available Drosophila models of inter‐ and trans‐, and rodent models of inter‐generational inheritance; observed phenotypic cross‐species conservation and cross‐generation directionality shift therein; and confirmed these observations experimentally in flies. Specifically, previous models of cold and diet‐induced inheritance in both flies and mice were commonly associated with altered regulation of proteolysis genes. Besides, fly TEI models were in general characterized by opposite phenotypic regulation in transgenerational offsprings, compared to the ancestors. As insulin‐producing cell (IPC) ablation was also associated with proteolysis gene dysregulation in one of the mouse models, we opted to use genetic ablation of IPCs in flies for the experimental validation. Remarkably, the ablation led to transcriptomic alterations across multiple generations, with dysregulated genes showing proteolysis enrichment. Similarly, phenotypic directionality changed in the opposite direction in transgenerational offsprings, in comparison of the ancestors. These results support evolutionary conservation, and both physiologically adaptive and maladaptive consequences of germline mediated epigenetic inheritance.