bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vasostatin-2 associates with coronary collateral vessel formation in diabetic patients and promotes angiogenesis via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
Authors: Bao Xiao Lu , Dai Yang , Lu Lin , Wang Xiao Qun , Ding Feng Hua , Shen Wei Feng , Shen Ying , De Caterina Raffaele 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims
Members of the chromogranin family play a role in angiogenesis. One such biologically active peptide, generated through the processing of chromogranin A, is vasostatin-2. This study aimed at assessing the association of serum vasostatin-2 levels with coronary collateral vessels (CCV) in diabetic patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) and the effects of vasostatin-2 on angiogenesis in diabetic mice with hindlimb or myocardial ischemia.

Methods and results
Serum levels of vasostatin-2 in 452 diabetic CTO patients were evaluated. The status of CCV was categorized according to the Rentrop score. Vasostatin-2 recombinant protein or phosphate-buffered saline were then injected intraperitoneally in diabetic mouse models of hindlimb or myocardial ischemia, followed by laser Doppler imaging and molecular biology examinations. The effects of vasostatin-2 were also ascertained in endothelial cells and macrophages, with mechanisms clarified using ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing. Serum levels of vasostatin-2 were significantly different and progressively higher across Rentrop score 0, 1, 2, and 3 groups (P &lt; .001), with significantly lower levels in patients with poor CCV (Rentrop score 0 and 1) than in those with good CCV (Rentrop score 2 and 3) (P &lt; .05). Vasostatin-2 significantly promoted angiogenesis in diabetic mice with hindlimb or myocardial ischemia. RNA-seq analyzes verified an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-mediated vasostatin-2-induction of angiogenesis in ischemic tissues.

Conclusion
Lower serum levels of vasostatin-2 are associated with poor CCV in diabetic CTO patients compared with patients with good CCV. Vasostatin-2 significantly promotes angiogenesis in diabetic mice with hindlimb or myocardial ischemia. Such effects are mediated by ACE2.
On the fast track: hybrids adapt more rapidly than parental populations in a novel environment
Authors: Kulmuni Jonna , Wiley Bryn , Otto Sarah P 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Rates of hybridization are predicted to increase due to climate change and human activity that cause redistribution of species and bring previously isolated populations into contact. At the same time climate change leads to rapid changes in the environment, requiring populations to adapt rapidly in order to survive. A few empirical cases suggest hybridization can facilitate adaptation despite its potential for incompatibilities and deleterious fitness consequences. Here we use simulations and Fisher’s Geometric model to evaluate the conditions and time frame of adaptation via hybridization in both diploids and haplodiploids. We find that hybrids adapt faster to new environments compared to parental populations in nearly all simulated scenarios, generating a fitness advantage that can offset intrinsic incompatibilities and last for tens of generations, regardless of whether the population was diploid or haplodiploid. Our results highlight the creative role of hybridization and suggest that hybridization may help contemporary populations adapt to the changing climate. However, adaptation by hybrids may well happen at the cost of reduced biodiversity, if previously isolated lineages collapse into one.
Testing the Webber’s Comprehensive Mobility Framework Using Self-Reported and Performance-Based Mobility Outcomes Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nigeria
Authors: Nwachuwku Ernest C , Rayner Daniel , Ibekaku Michael C , Uduonu Ekezie C , Ezema Charles I , Kalu Michael E 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
In 2010, Webber and colleagues conceptualized the interrelationships between mobility determinants, and researchers tested Webber’s framework using data from developed countries. No studies have tested this model using data from developing nations (e.g., Nigeria). This study aimed to simultaneously explore the cognitive, environmental, financial, personal, physical, psychological, and social influences and their interaction effects on the mobility outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria.

Research Design and Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 227 older adults (mean age [standard deviation] = 66.6 [6.8] years). Performance-based mobility outcomes included gait speed, balance, and lower extremity strength, and were assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, whereas the self-reported mobility outcomes included inability to walk 0.5 km, 2 km, or climb a flight of stairs, assessed using the Manty Preclinical Mobility Limitation Scale. Regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of mobility outcomes.

Results
The number of comorbidities (physical factor) negatively predicted all mobility outcomes, except the lower extremity strength. Age (personal factor) negatively predicted gait speed (β = −0.192), balance (β = −0.515), and lower extremity strength (β = −0.225), and a history of no exercise (physical factor) positively predicted inability to walk 0.5 km (B = 1.401), 2 km (B = 1.295). Interactions between determinants improved the model, explaining the most variations in all the mobility outcomes. Living arrangement is the only factor that consistently interacted with other variables to improve the regression model for all mobility outcomes, except balance and self-reported inability to walk 2 km.

Discussion and Implications
Interactions between determinants explain the most variations in all mobility outcomes, highlighting the complexity of mobility. This finding highlighted that factors predicting self-reported and performance-based mobility outcomes might differ, but this should be confirmed with a large data set.
The Evolution of the Procedure for Reviewing Victim Applications at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Ring Karen Lønne 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
At the International Criminal Court (ICC), victims can participate in proceedings. However, in order to gain access to the Court, victims must first apply to be recognized. The scope of victims’ rights and who theoretically qualifies as a victim in international criminal law has been discussed extensively, but the procedure for applying the definitions in practice and granting access to these rights is under-researched. This article aims to address this knowledge gap by mapping the decisions on the procedure for victim application review throughout the history of the ICC. Through a context analysis of decisions on the procedure for reviewing victim applications, the article identifies the evolution of the victim application review procedure at the ICC and argues that the Court has deviated significantly from the legal framework. In recognition of the fact that the procedure stipulated in the legal framework has proven inoperable, this article argues that a workable approach to reviewing victim applications has emerged from the practice of the Chambers of the Court.
There is Something Special about War Criminals …
Authors: Holá Barbora , Munivrana Maja 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article assesses how the rehabilitation of perpetrators of international crimes is being constructed and evaluated at the domestic level, in particular in Croatia, and how it compares to international practice at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) or International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The analysis is based on a convenience sample of early release decisions issued by the Croatian judiciary and the most recent early release decisions issued by the IRMCT. Up until very recently, rehabilitation of war criminals has been approached through a rather conventional prism, both at the ICTY/IRMCT and domestically. The most recent IRMCT early release decisions, however, developed a sui generis approach focusing primarily on an offender’s critical reflection on crimes, gravity of the offence and views of the larger community. At the same time, the Croatian approach to assessing rehabilitation remained centred around the perceived risk of reoffending. Due to inconsistencies in incorporating the various factors, however, there seems to be double standards being applied along ethnic lines. In this article, we analyse and contrast rehabilitation assessments and early release practices at the ICTY/IRCMT and Croatia and ask the proverbial question whether there is anything special about rehabilitating war criminals.
Inducible generalized activation of hSTING-N154S expression in mice leads to lethal hypercytokinemia: a model for “cytokine storm”
Authors: Martin Gary R , Salazar Arcila Carolina , Hallihan Laura J , Scheidl-Yee Teresa , Jirik Frank R 
Published: March 2023

AbstractExcessive levels of circulating proinflammatory mediators, known as “hypercytokinemia,” that are generated by overwhelming immune system activation can lead to death due to critical organ failure and thrombotic events. Hypercytokinemia has been frequently associated with a variety of infectious and autoimmune diseases, with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection currently being the commonest cause, of what has been termed the cytokine storm. Among its various functions within the host, STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is critical in the defense against certain viruses and other pathogens. STING activation, particularly within cells of the innate immune system, triggers potent type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine production. We thus hypothesized that generalized expression of a constitutively active STING mutant in mice would lead to hypercytokinemia. To test this, a Cre-loxP–based system was used to cause the inducible expression of a constitutively active hSTING mutant (hSTING-N154S) in any tissue or cell type. Herein, we employed a tamoxifen-inducible ubiquitin C-CreERT2 transgenic to obtain generalized expression of the hSTING-N154S protein, thereby triggering the production of IFN-β and multiple proinflammatory cytokines. This required euthanizing the mice within 3 to 4 d after tamoxifen administration. This preclinical model will allow for the rapid identification of compounds aimed at either preventing or ameliorating the lethal effects of hypercytokinemia.
Development and Content Validation of a Questionnaire for Measuring Beliefs About Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy
Authors: Emery Joanne , McDaid Lisa , Coleman Tim , Cooper Sue , Thomson Ross , Kinahan-Goodwin Darren , Dickinson Anne , Phillips Lucy , Clark Miranda , Bowker Katharine , Brown Emma , Naughton Felix 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Improving adherence to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in pregnancy may result in higher smoking cessation rates. Informed by the Necessities and Concerns Framework, we developed an intervention targeting pregnancy NRT adherence. To evaluate this, we derived the NRT in pregnancy necessities and concerns questionnaire (NiP-NCQ), which measures perceived need for NRT and concerns about potential consequences.

Aims and Methods
Here we describe the development and content validation of NiP-NCQ. From qualitative work, we identified potentially modifiable determinants of pregnancy NRT adherence and classed these as necessity beliefs or concerns. We translated these into draft self-report items and piloted items on 39 pregnant women offered NRT and a prototype NRT adherence intervention, assessing distributions and sensitivity to change. After removing poorly performing items, smoking cessation experts (N = 16) completed an online discriminant content validation (DCV) task to determine whether retained items measure a necessity belief, concern, both, or neither construct.

Results
Draft NRT concern items encompassed safety for the baby, side effects, too much or insufficient nicotine, and addictiveness. Draft necessity belief items included perceived need for NRT for short- and longer-term abstinence, and desire to minimize or cope without NRT. Of 22 out of 29 items retained after piloting, four were removed following the DCV task: three were judged to measure neither construct and one possibly both. The final NiP-NCQ comprised nine items per construct (18 total).

Conclusions
The NiP-NCQ measures potentially modifiable determinants of pregnancy NRT adherence within two distinct constructs and may have research and clinical utility for evaluating interventions targeting these.

Implications
Poor adherence to NRT in pregnancy may result from low perceived need and concerns about consequences; interventions challenging these beliefs may yield higher smoking cessation rates. To evaluate an NRT adherence intervention informed by the Necessities and Concerns Framework, we developed the NiP-NCQ. Through the content development and refinement processes described in this paper, we derived an evidence-based, 18-item questionnaire measuring two distinct constructs within two nine-item subscales. Higher concerns and lower necessity beliefs indicate more negative NRT beliefs; NiP-NCQ may have research and clinical utility for interventions targeting these.
Characterization of Rare Spontaneous Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viral Controllers Attending a National United Kingdom Clinical Service Using a Combination of Serology and Molecular Diagnostic Assays
Authors: Khan Maryam , Bradshaw Daniel , Brown Colin S , Haddow Jana , Patel Poorvi , Tosswill Jennifer H C , Pollock Katrina , Elliott Tamara , Wang Xinzhu , Alagaratnam Jasmini , Mora-Peris Borja , Kaye Steve , McClure Myra O , Muir David , Randell Paul , Taylor Graham P , Fidler Sarah J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
We report outcomes and novel characterization of a unique cohort of 42 individuals with persistently indeterminate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, the majority of whom are HIV viral controllers.

Methods
Eligible individuals had indeterminate or positive HIV serology, but persistently undetectable HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by commercial assays and were not taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Routine investigations included HIV Western blot, HIV viral load, qualitative HIV-1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), coinfection screen, and T-cell quantification. Research assays included T-cell activation, ART measurement, single-copy assays detecting HIV-1 RNA and DNA, and plasma cytokine quantification. Human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity was defined as ≥3 bands on Western blot; molecular positivity was defined as detection of HIV RNA or DNA.

Results
Human immunodeficiency virus infection was excluded in 10 of 42 referrals, remained unconfirmed in 2 of 42, and was confirmed in 30 of 42, who were identified as HIV elite controllers (ECs), normal CD4 T-cell counts (median 820/mL, range 805–1336), and normal CD4/CD8 ratio (median 1.8, range 1.2–1.9). Elite controllers had a median duration of elite control of 6 years (interquartile range = 4–14). Antiretroviral therapy was undetected in all 23 subjects tested. Two distinct categories of ECs were identified: molecular positive (n = 20) and molecular negative (n = 10).

Conclusions
Human immunodeficiency virus status was resolved for 95% of referrals with the majority diagnosed as EC. The clinical significance of the 2 molecular categories among ECs requires further investigation.
Effectiveness of A Fourth Dose of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in the Elderly Population During the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 Circulation: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea (K-COVE)
Authors: Park Seon Kyeong , Choe Young June , Jang Eun Jung , Kim Ryu Kyung , Lim Do-Sang , Yi Seonju , Lee Sangwon , Kwon Geun-Yong , Shin Jee Yeon , Choi Sang-Yoon , Jeong Mi Jin , Park Young-Joon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe estimate the effectiveness of a fourth dose booster of coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccine in individuals aged ≥60 years during Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 circulation in Korea. The effectiveness against critical infection was 67.7% (95% confidence interval, 50.7%–78.8%) at 31–60 days and 62.1% (95% confidence interval, 45.5%–73.7%) at 61–90 days.
Re-emergence ofParechovirus: 2017–2022 National Trends of Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Tao Lili , Humphries Romney M , Banerjee Ritu , Gaston David C 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIncreasing parechovirus (PeV) infections prompted a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Advisory in July 2022. We retrospectively assessed national PeV trends in cerebrospinal fluid and observed unexpected viral dynamics from 2020 to 2022 with regional variance. These findings may be due to mitigation strategies aimed at severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. PeV testing can benefit ill patients, particularly children.
Dr William Coley and tumour regression: a place in history or in the future
Authors: Hoption Cann S A , van Netten J P , van Netten C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Spontaneous tumour regression has followed bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoal infections. This phenomenon inspired the development of numerous rudimentary cancer immunotherapies, with a history spanning thousands of years. Coley took advantage of this natural phenomenon, developing a killed bacterial vaccine for cancer in the late 1800s. He observed that inducing a fever was crucial for tumour regression. Unfortunately, at the present time little credence is given to the febrile response in fighting infections—no less cancer.
Rapidly growing tumours contain large numbers of leucocytes. These cells play a part in both defence and repair; however, reparative functions can also support tumour growth. Intratumoural infections may reactivate defensive functions, causing tumour regression.
Can it be a coincidence that this method of immunotherapy has been “rediscovered” repeatedly throughout the centuries? Clearly, Coley’s approach to cancer treatment has a place in the past, present, and future. It offers a rare opportunity for the development of a broadly applicable, relatively inexpensive, yet effective treatment for cancer. Even in cases beyond the reach of conventional therapy, there is hope.
A physiotherapy specialist clinic in paediatric orthopaedics: is it effective?
Authors: Belthur M V , Clegg J , Strange A 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A physiotherapy specialist clinic was set up to reduce waiting times for non-urgent, new paediatric orthopaedic referrals. The outcome was reviewed at a minimum of 12 months for 1046 referrals assessed in the physiotherapy support clinic to analyse its effectiveness.
Altogether 114 patients failed to attend the clinic. The remaining 932 patients form the basis of this study. Ninety three percent of these patients were managed without direct consultant intervention—72% with advice and reassurance, 17% by referral to the physiotherapy department, and 4% with surgical appliances. Only 7% needed consultant evaluation. Median waiting time for non-urgent conditions was reduced from 72 weeks in May 1996 to five weeks in May 1999. A majority of the parents were satisfied with the clinic. The clinic was found to be cost effective.
The success of the clinic was attributable to good cooperation between the consultant and physiotherapist and a well defined protocol for assessment and management of patients.
A qualitative study of sexual health and function of females with pelvic cancer
Authors: Oveisi Niki , Khan Zeba , Brotto Lori A 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Pelvic cancers are among the most common cancers, impacting millions of individuals worldwide annually. However, little is known about the impact of more rare pelvic cancers on the sexual health of females.

Aim
In this study we explored sexual health experiences of female pelvic cancer survivors (FPCS) and their healthcare providers (HCP) in order to identify the most salient impacts of pelvic cancer on sexual function.

Methods
In this qualitative study, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 15 female patients with vulvar, vaginal, uterine, ovarian, endometrial, cervical, bladder, and/or colorectal cancers. Additionally, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with HCPs who treat pelvic cancers (n = 9). For data analysis, qualitative framework analysis was used.

Outcomes
We used the collected data and analysis of findings to establish recommendations including ways to improve sexual health and function in female survivors of pelvic cancer.

Results
Most FPCS experienced negative impacts on their sexual health and function through increased pain and dryness, bleeding due to atrophy, decreased libido, and psychosocial issues such as body dysmorphia. Females with the rarer vulvar and vaginal cancers faced additional challenges to their sexual health such as shortening of vaginal canals, high levels of neuropathy, lack of sexual activity with their partners, and suicidal ideation. FPCS had unmet sexual health needs, which can be attributed to lack of appropriate training by HCPs and lack of resources and availability of services. Although HCPs recognized the importance of providing sexual healthcare, they lacked confidence in their ability to facilitate a conversation on sexual health with their patients, and often avoided this topic.

Clinical implications
The sexual health outcomes of FPCS can be improved by providing targeted training for HCPs, developing standard resources for sexual health, and integrating tiers of support, including group interventions and counseling.

Strengths and limitations
The main strength of this study is that data were collected from HCPs as well as FPCS, thus providing a more in-depth overall picture of the current strengths and weaknesses of the resources for sexual health support available for this patient population. A limitation of this study is that the experiences of transgender men were not captured.

Conclusions
Sexual difficulties are very common in all FPCS, particularly survivors of vulvar and vaginal cancers. Improvement of sexual health outcomes is needed in this patient population, which can be achieved by providing more training for HCPs, developing robust resources for FPCS and their sexual health, and providing more opportunities for tiered support.