bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An examination of Ireland’s sugar sweetened beverage tax (sugar tax) in practice
Authors: Houghton Frank , Moran Stritch Jennifer , Nwanze Loveth 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
In the face of rising obesity levels, Ireland introduced a sugar sweetened beverage tax (SSBT) in 2018, the scope of which was extended in 2019. To date, there is a dearth of research on the actual impact of the SSBT on the pricing.

Method
This study involved an examination of the relative cost of leading brand full-sugar and sugar-free carbonated soft drinks in a convenience sample of 14 different Irish supermarkets. In light of manufacturers’ reformulation of certain brands (7UP, Sprite and Fanta), information was collected on the relative in-store pricing of three brands (Coca Cola, Pepsi and Club).

Results
In-store comparisons of equivalent size and unit number indicate that, in ~60% of cases, the full-sugar and sugar-free versions of the same drink are being offered at the same price. Even when full-sugar versions of these brands were more expensive than the sugar-free alternatives, the price differential was sometimes less than the SSBT rate.

Conclusions
The pass-through rate of the SSBT to consumers is sub-optimal. Future policy and research suggestions are outlined.
Downregulation of the expression of galanin impairs erectile function in hypoandrogenic rats
Authors: Yuan Piao , Li Xiong , Xiong Wen-ju , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The relationship between galanin and erectile function under low androgen levels is still unclear.

Aim
To explore whether a low testosterone level damages the erection of a rat by regulating the expression of galanin and GalR in penile cavernous tissue.

Methods
Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 weeks of age, were randomly grouped as follows (n = 6): control, castration, castration + testosterone replacement, control + transfection, castration + transfection, and castration + empty transfection. At 4 weeks after castration, rats in the transfection group were injected with lentivirus carrying the targeting galanin gene (2 × 108 TU/mL, 10 μL) in the corpus cavernosum. After 1 week of injection, the intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), nitric oxide (NO), serum testosterone concentration, galanin, GalR1-3, ROCK1, ROCK2, and p-eNOS/eNOS in the rat penile tissues were evaluated.

Outcomes
ICPmax/MAP and the expression of galanin in the corpus cavernosum in castrated rats were obviously decreased as compared with those in the control rats.

Results
The castrated rats showed remarkably lower ICPmax/MAP, galanin, GalR1-3, p-eNOS/eNOS, and NO content and markedly higher ROCK1 and ROCK2 in penile tissues than the control group (P &lt; .05). The transfected rats administrated with LV Gal had obviously higher ICPmax/MAP, p-eNOS/eNOS, and NO content and less ROCK1 and ROCK2 protein expression in the corpus cavernosum when compared with the castration group (P &lt; .05).

Clinical Translation
Upregulating the expression of galanin in the penile corpus cavernosum might be a novel method of treating erectile dysfunction caused by a low androgen level.

Strengths and Limitations
The conclusions obtained in the animal experiments need to be confirmed in human data.

Conclusion
The erectile function of hypoandrogen rats might be inhibited by downregulating the level of galanin and GalR1-3, upregulating ROCK1 and ROCK2 levels, and inhibiting the eNOS/NO signaling pathway in penile corpus cavernosum.
The day‐night differences in cognitive and anxiety‐like behaviors of mice after chronic sleep restriction
Authors: Zhai Shuang , Yin Meng‐Mei , Sun Huai‐Qing , Jiang Xue‐Qin , Liu Yun , Marshall Charles , Wu Ting , Xiao Ming 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAnimal behavioral tests are often conducted during the day. However, rodents are nocturnal animals and are primarily active at night. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are diurnal changes in cognitive and anxiety‐like performance of mice following chronic sleep restriction (SR). We also investigated whether this phenotypic difference is related to the diurnal variation of glymphatic clearance of metabolic wastes. Mice received 9‐day SR by the use of the modified rotating rod method, followed by the open field, elevated plus maze, and Y‐maze tests conducted during the day and at night, respectively. Brain β‐amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein levels, the polarity of aquaporin4 (AQP4), a functional marker of the glymphatic system, and glymphatic transport ability were also analyzed. SR mice exhibited cognitive impairment and anxiety‐like behaviors during the day, but not at night. AQP4 polarity and glymphatic transport ability were higher during the day, with lower Aβ1‐42, Aβ1‐40, and P‐Tau levels in the frontal cortex. These day‐night differences were totally disrupted after SR. These results reveal the diurnal changes in behavioral performance after chronic SR, which may be related to circadian control of AQP4‐mediated glymphatic clearance of toxic macromolecules from the brain.
Dexamethasone Plus Bupivacaine Versus Bupivacaine in Bilateral Trans-incisional Paravertebral Block in Lumbar Spine Surgeries, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alansary Amin Mohamed , Aziz Mohamed Mostafa , Elbeialy Marwa Ahmed Khairy 
Published: June 2023

Objectives:
Few studies examined the analgesic effects of dexamethasone in lumbar paravertebral block (PVB), specifically the trans-incisional approach. This study aimed to compare dexamethasone with bupivacaine versus bupivacaine alone for bilateral transincisional PVB (TiPVB) for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spine surgeries.

Methods:
Fifty patients aged 20 to 60 years, had ASA-PS I or II of either sex were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Both groups received combined general anesthesia and bilateral lumbar TiPVB. However, in Group 1 [dexamethasone group] (n = 25): patients received 14 mL of bupivacaine 0.20% plus one mL containing 4 mg of dexamethasone on each side, while Group 2 [control group] (n = 25): patients received 14 mL of bupivacaine 0.20% plus one ml of saline on each side. Time to first analgesic need was the primary outcome, while total opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery, the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the incidence of side effects were secondary outcomes.

Results:
The mean time to first analgesic requirement was significantly prolonged among patients in the dexamethasone group than the control group [Mean ± SD, 18.4±0.8 h vs. 8.7±1.2 h, respectively] (P < 0.001). Patients in dexamethasone group had lower total opiates consumption than the control) P < 0.001). Although non-significant, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was more frequent among control group (P = 0.145).

Discussion:
Adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine in TiPVB resulted in prolonged analgesia-free period, lower opioid consumption in lumbar spine surgeries with comparable incidence of adverse events.
Providence Bracing: Predicting the Progression to Surgery in Patients With Braced Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Kolin David A. , Thompson George H. , Blumenschein Lucas A. , Poe-Kochert Connie , Glotzbecker Michael P. , Son-Hing Jochen P. , Hardesty Christina K. , Mistovich R. Justin 
Published: June 2023

Background:
Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a common spinal abnormality, in which orthotic management can reduce progression to surgery. However, predictors of bracing success are still not fully understood. We studied a large patient population treated with the nighttime Providence orthosis, utilizing multivariable logistic regression to assess results and predict future spine surgery.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed patients with IS meeting Scoliosis Research Society inclusion and assessment criteria presenting from April 1994 to June 2020 at a single institution and treated with a Providence orthosis. A predictive logistic regression model was developed utilizing the following candidate features: age, sex, body mass index, Risser classification, Lenke classification, curve magnitude at brace initiation, percentage correction in a brace, and total months of brace use. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The importance of individual features was assessed using the variable importance score.

Results:
There were 329 consecutive patients with IS with a mean age of 12.8 ± 1.4 years that met inclusion and assessment criteria. Of these, 113 patients (34%) ultimately required surgery. The model’s area under the curve (AUC) was 0.72 on the testing set, demonstrating good discrimination. The initial curve magnitude (Importance score: 100.0) and duration of bracing (Importance score: 82.4) were the 2 most predictive features for curve progression leading to surgery. With respect to skeletal maturity, Risser 1 (Importance score: 53.9) had the most predictive importance for future surgery. For the curve pattern, Lenke 6 (Importance score: 52.0) had the most predictive importance for future surgery.

Conclusion:
Out of 329 patients with IS treated with a Providence nighttime orthosis, 34% required surgery. This is similar to the findings of the BrAist study of the Boston orthosis, in which 28% of monitored braced patients required surgery. In addition, we found that predictive logistic regression can evaluate the likelihood of future spine surgery in patients treated with the Providence orthosis. The severity of the initial curve magnitude and total months of bracing were the 2 most important variables when assessing the probability of future surgery. Surgeons can use this model to counsel families on the potential benefits of bracing and risk factors for curve progression.
Genetic analysis of transcription factors in dopaminergic neuronal development in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhao Yuwen , Qin Lixia , Pan Hongxu , Song Tingwei , Wang Yige , Zhou Xiaoxia , Xiang Yaqin , Li Jinchen , Liu Zhenhua , Sun Qiying , Guo Jifeng , Yan Xinxiang , Tang Beisha , Xu Qian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:
Genetic variants of dopaminergic transcription factor-encoding genes are suggested to be Parkinson's disease (PD) risk factors; however, no comprehensive analyses of these genes in patients with PD have been undertaken. Therefore, we aimed to genetically analyze 16 dopaminergic transcription factor genes in Chinese patients with PD.

Methods:
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed using a Chinese cohort comprising 1917 unrelated patients with familial or sporadic early-onset PD and 1652 controls. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using another Chinese cohort comprising 1962 unrelated patients with sporadic late-onset PD and 1279 controls.

Results:
We detected 308 rare and 208 rare protein-altering variants in the WES and WGS cohorts, respectively. Gene-based association analyses of rare variants suggested that MSX1 is enriched in sporadic late-onset PD. However, the significance did not pass the Bonferroni correction. Meanwhile, 72 and 1730 common variants were found in the WES and WGS cohorts, respectively. Unfortunately, single-variant logistic association analyses did not identify significant associations between common variants and PD.

Conclusions:
Variants of 16 typical dopaminergic transcription factors might not be major genetic risk factors for PD in Chinese patients. However, we highlight the complexity of PD and the need for extensive research elucidating its etiology.
Validation of the Cognitive Assessment Instrument for Obsessions and Compulsions (CAIOC-13) in an Indian Sample
Authors: Bhattacharya Mahashweta , Kashyap Himani , Balachander Srinivas , Reddy YC Janardhan 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundBrief self-report measures of cognition are advantageous for flagging significant cognitive dysfunction and minimising the need for extensive neuropsychological assessments. The Cognitive Assessment Instrument for Obsessions and Compulsions (CAIOC-13) is a recently developed 13-item self-rated scale, assessing everyday functional difficulties resulting from cognitive dysfunction specific to those reported by individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) e.g., difficulties with reading, making choices, slowness, perfectionism & procrastination). This study was undertaken to validate the CAIOC-13 in an Indian sample of individuals with OCD.Material and MethodsA total of 75 subjects with OCD and 81 non-clinical controls completed the CAIOC-13, the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ) and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Short Form (DAS-SF1). Pearson’s r correlation was used to establish the convergent and divergent validity with PDQ and DAS-SF1 respectively; the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the discriminant validity, and the factorial structure was evaluated using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA).ResultsCAIOC-13 scale scores showed a strong significant correlation (r = 0.56 p <0.001) with PDQ scores and a weak correlation with DAS-SF1 scores (r = 0.33 p = 0.003). Area Under the ROC curve (AUC) value was found to be 0.92 indicating that the CAIOC-13 could accurately discriminate between OCD and controls. The PCA analysis also showed a strong loading on a single component.ConclusionThe results suggest that the CAIOC-13 is a valid tool for briefly assessing cognitive deficits in individuals with OCD in India. Future studies may also examine the correlation of CAIOC-13 with standardized neuropsychological assessments.
Tracing the evolutionary path of the CCR5delta32 deletion via ancient and modern genomes
Authors: Ravn Kirstine , Cobuccio Leonardo , Muktupavela Rasa Audange , Meisner Jonas , Benros Michael Eriksen , Korneliussen Thorfinn Sand , Sikora Martin , Willerslev Eske , Allentoft Morten E. , Irving-Pease Evan K. , Racimo Fernando , Rasmussen Simon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe chemokine receptor variant CCR5delta32 is linked to HIV-1 infection resistance and other pathological conditions. In European populations, the allele frequency ranges from 10-16%, and its evolution has been extensively debated throughout the years. We provide a detailed perspective of the evolutionary history of the deletion through time and space. We discovered that the CCR5delta32 allele arose on a pre-existing haplotype consisting of 84 variants. Using this information, we developed a haplotype-aware probabilistic model to screen for this deletion across 860 low-coverage ancient genomes and we found evidence that CCR5delta32 arose at least 7,000 years BP, with a likely origin somewhere in the Western Eurasian Steppe region. We further show evidence that the CCR5delta32 haplotype underwent positive selection between 7,000-2,000 BP in Western Eurasia and that the presence of the haplotype in Latin America can be explained by post-Columbian genetic exchanges. Finally, we point to new complex CCR5delta32 genotype-haplotype-phenotype relationships, which demand consideration when targeting the CCR5 receptor for therapeutic strategies.
Epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus infections in sequential male sex partners of young females
Authors: Arthur Andrew W. , El-Zein Mariam , Burchell Ann N. , Tellier Pierre-Paul , Coutlée Francois , Franco Eduardo L. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesCouple-based studies have considered human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission between current heterosexual partners (male↔female). Using data from young women and their sequential male partners in the HPV Infection and Transmission among Couples through Heterosexual activity (HITCH) study, we analysed HPV transmission from upstream sexual partnerships (male 1↔female) to downstream sex partners (→male 2).MethodsAmong 502 females enrolled in the HITCH study (2005-2011, Montréal, Canada), 42 brought one male sex partner at baseline (male 1) and another during follow-up (male 2). Female genital samples, collected at 6 visits over 24 months, and male genital samples, collected at 2 visits over 4 months, were tested for 36 HPV types (n=1512 detectable infections). We calculated observed/expected ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for type-specific HPV concordance between males 1 and 2. Using mixed-effects regression, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for male 2 testing positive for the same HPV type as male 1.ResultsDetection of the same HPV type in males 1 and 2 occurred 2.6 times (CI:1.9-3.5) more often than chance. The OR for male 2 positivity was 4.2 (CI:2.5-7.0). Adjusting for the number of times the linking female tested positive for the same HPV type attenuated the relationship between male 1 and 2 positivity, suggesting mediation.ConclusionsHigh type-specific HPV concordance between males 1 and 2 confirms HPV’s transmissibility in chains of sequential young adult sexual partnerships. HPV positivity in an upstream partnership predicted positivity in a downstream male when the linking female partner was persistently positive.
A Pilot Study of Stereoelectroencephalography Electrodes in a Patient with Refractory Chronic Migraine: Personalized Targets for Precise Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Zhao Hulin , Zhang Shuhua , Wang Yining , Zhang Chuting , Gong Zihua , Zhang Mingjie , Dai Wei , Ran Ye , Shi Wenbin , Dang Yuanyuan , Liu Aijun , Zhang Zhengbo , Yeh Chien-Hung , Dong Zhao 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe complexity of neural circuits and the heterogeneity of brain networks are barriers for further improving the efficacy of DBS. This study aimed to establish a clinical paradigm to personalize the design of DBS in patients with refractory headache, which would constitute a milestone in this field.MethodsWe implanted 14 stereoelectroencephalography electrodes in a patient with refractory migraine for clinical monitoring and electrophysiological recording. During monitoring, we collected the VAS score in 5-min increments, and recorded electrophysiological data in real-time. Data were classified into two types of symptoms (high and low symptoms) for determining the spectral power features of specific brain regions reflecting pain fluctuations, which we called Biomarker, using statistical analyses and cross-validated machine-learning models. During stimulation, we tested the clinical effect through a systematic bipolar stimulation survey and blinded sham-controlled stimulation studies, and collected real-time electrophysiological data. Based on the identification of brain areas with clinical improvement, the optimal target for stimulate was determined by validating the clinical response against the biomarker, and phase-amplitude coupling finally.ResultsFor biomarker, RNAc-HFO was the most considerably correlated with VAS score (rho = 0.5292,p< 0.0001), and differed significantly between mild and severe pain levels (p= 0.0003), also with the greatest weighting in the characteristic ranking. The machine-learning model showed an accuracy and AUC remaining at 75.51% and 0.77, respectively, for RAC-HFO. For target, LdACC was identified as the most effective stimulation target, based on the VAS score reported over the stimulation period. VAS score (p= 0.006), RNAc-HFO (p= 0.0029) were significantly improved after stimulation compared to pre-stimulation in LdACC. The significant modulatory effect of RNAc-HFO by the low-frequency phase of LdACC also confirmed the modulatory effect of LdACC and RNAc during headache fluctuation.DiscussionAs a pilot study for exploring precise and personalized DBS in refractory migraine, we identified the biomarker and optimal target via the integration of clinical and electrophysiological data. The concept of the proposed data-driven approach to optimizing personalized treatment strategies for DBS may create a new frontier in the field of refractory headache and pain.
Pre-Injury Frailty and Clinical Care Trajectory of Geriatric Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of A Large Level I US Trauma Center
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwaseun , Grudzen Corita , DiMaggio Charles , Wittman Ian , Velez-Rosborough Ana , Arcila-Mesa Mauricio , Cuthel Allison , Poracky Helen , Meyman Polina , Chodosh Joshua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundPre-injury frailty among older trauma patients is a predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine the relationship between frailty status and the care trajectories of older adult patients who underwent frailty screening in the emergency department (ED).MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort design of a single institutional trauma database, we pooled data on trauma patients, 65 years and older, who had frailty screening at ED presentation (N=987). The predictor variable was frailty status, measured as either robust, pre-frail, or frail. The outcome variables were measures of clinical care trajectory: inpatient admission, length of hospital stay, home discharge, and discharge to rehabilitation. We controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, injury type and severity, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. We performed multivariable logistic and quantile regressions to measure the influence of frailty on post-trauma care trajectories.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the study population was 81 (9.0) years and the population was predominantly female (66%) and non-Hispanic White (64%). Compared to older adult trauma patients classified as robust, those categorized as frail had 2.8 (95% CI: 1.75 – 4.40), 0.4 (95% CI: 0.27 – 0.63), and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.38 – 3.27) times the adjusted odds of hospital admission, home discharge, and discharge to rehabilitation, respectively. Those classified as pre-frail (Adjusted MD: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.46 – 1.54) and frail (Adjusted MD: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.35 – 2.65) had longer lengths of hospital stay compared to those classified as robust.ConclusionPre-injury frailty is a predictor of care trajectories for older-adult trauma patients.
A review of scientific theories used to justify the delivery of school-based mindfulness programmes. A protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Abbott Pamela , Nixon Graeme , Stanley Isabel , D’Ambruoso Lucia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMindfulness-based interventions are increasingly delivered in schools with the aim of promoting the mental wellbeing of pupils. The apparent success of such interventions has led to calls for mindfulness to be included in the school curriculum. However, the findings are more mixed than is often acknowledged and this may in part be because the theories justifying are rarely considered. Understanding the scientific theories underpinning SBMIs may improve the outcomes from interventions. In this paper we outline our scoping review protocol to systematically review the literature to map the scientific theories that have been identified to justify using school-based mindfulness interventions to promote pupils’ wellbeing.MethodsThe scoping review methodology will guide the conduct of the review. We will limit our search to scholarly databases and PhD theses to ensure the credibility of the theories. The following databases will be used: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed Central, Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. We will include any study that includes a theoretical explanation linking a mindfulness intervention with its impact. Information from the papers will be extracted using a framework developed by the team.DiscussionThe scoping review will map, classify and compare scientific theories that have been used in the literature to justify the use of school-based mindfulness intervention to promote pupils’ mental wellbeing. The findings will be disseminated through a peer -reviewed journal article, conference presentations, our project website and social media.