bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OSL dating as an alternative tool for age determination of relic charcoal kilns
Authors: Moayed Nasrin Karimi , Vandenberghe Dimitri , Deforce Koen , Kaptijn Eva , Biernacka Paulina , De Clercq Wim , De Grave Johan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractChronometric studies of charcoal production remains are largely based on 14C‐dating of associated charcoal. Owing to intrinsic limitations, however, this method provides no meaningful time resolution for post‐1650 CE features. We investigate the potential of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of heated sandy sediments as an alternative and complementary tool for dating charcoal kiln remains.Seven samples from five relic charcoal kilns and 11 complementary samples from the underlying sandy substrate are used. Through a range of procedural tests, we demonstrate that the single‐aliquot, regenerative‐dose procedure in combination with OSL signals from quartz allows determining equivalent doses both accurately and precisely. For four of the five investigated kilns, OSL ages are consistent with independent age information from 14C‐dating and written sources. Especially for post‐1650 CE features, the precision can be significantly better than that of 14C‐dating, and we highlight the potential of OSL dating for distinguishing, relatively, between charcoal production phases with an unprecedented time resolution. We conclude that the approach is a promising alternative to 14C.
Effect of omentopexy/gastropexy on gastrointestinal symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and systematic review
Authors: Wu Qian‐Long , Zhu Zhi , Yuan Yi , Peng Jia‐Ying , Zeng Shu‐Xin , Xie Zi‐Chun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe increased prevalence of obesity worldwide and low incidence of postoperative complications make the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) a clear public choice for obese‐related individuals. Pre‐existing studies reported contentious outcomes regarding the association with gastrointestinal symptoms after adding omentopexy (Ome) or gastropexy (Gas) to LSG. The present meta‐analysis attempted to evaluate the pros and cons of operating Ome/Gas after LSG concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.MethodsThe data extraction and study quality assessment were independently performed by two individuals. The PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to October 1, 2022, using the keywords LSG, omentopexy, and gastropexy to identify randomized controlled trial studies.ResultsOf the original 157 records, 13 studies with 3515 patients were included. LSG with Ome/Gas excels the LSG group in nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI[0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), reflux (OR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), vomiting (OR = 0.41; 95% CI [0.25, 0.67]; P = .0004) on gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.22, 0.59]; P < .0001), leakage (OR = 0.19; 95% CI [0.09, 0.43]; P < .0001), gastric torsion (OR = 0.23; 95% CI [0.07, 0.75]; P = .01) on post‐LSG complications. Further, LSG with Ome/Gas was superior to LSG regarding the result of excess body mass index loss in 1 year after surgery (mean difference = 1.83; 95% CI [0.59, 3.07]; P = .004). However, no significant associations were shown between groups in wound infection and the resulting weight or body mass index 1 year after surgery. Of note, subgroup analysis indicated that gastroesophageal reflux disease can be alleviated by adding Ome/Gas post‐LSG in those who used small bougies from 32 to 36 Fr (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.17, 0.34]; P < .00001) in contrast with large bougies over 36 Fr.ConclusionMost results elucidated the impact of adding Ome/Gas after LSG in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, more studies should be conducted to find the relations between other indicators in the present analysis due to the poor cases.
Analyzing Data in Complicated 3D Domains: Smoothing, Semiparametric Regression, and Functional Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Arnone Eleonora , Negri Luca , Panzica Ferruccio , Sangalli Laura M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this work, we introduce a family of methods for the analysis of data observed at locations scattered in three-dimensional (3D) domains, with possibly complicated shapes. The proposed family of methods includes smoothing, regression, and functional principal component analysis for functional signals defined over (possibly nonconvex) 3D domains, appropriately complying with the nontrivial shape of the domain. This constitutes an important advance with respect to the literature, because the available methods to analyze data observed in 3D domains rely on Euclidean distances, which are inappropriate when the shape of the domain influences the phenomenon under study. The common building block of the proposed methods is a nonparametric regression model with differential regularization. We derive the asymptotic properties of the methods and show, through simulation studies, that they are superior to the available alternatives for the analysis of data in 3D domains, even when considering domains with simple shapes. We finally illustrate an application to a neurosciences study, with neuroimaging signals from functional magnetic resonance imaging, measuring neural activity in the gray matter, a nonconvex volume with a highly complicated structure.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Voting for Incumbents under Democratic Backsliding: The Case of Honduras's Bono 10,000
Authors: Perelló Lucas , Navia Patricio 
Published: February 2023

As democracies worldwide have reverted to competitive authoritarian regimes or full dictatorships, some autocrats have used clientelist policies to strengthen their positions of power. We contend that autocrats can weaponise conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to shore up electoral support under democratic backsliding. In this vein, we analyse the impact of Honduras's Bono 10,000, a discretionary CCT, on the electoral support for the incumbent National Party and opposition blocs between 2013 and 2017, an era marked by the erosion of democracy. Using two survey waves from the AmericasBarometer by the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), we show how the CCT boosted the electoral support for the National Party as democracy unravelled. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on how autocrats rely on carrots – not just sticks – to consolidate power.
A cross‐sectional study of the association between family conflicts and children's health: Lolland‐Falster Health Study
Authors: Søndergaard Elisabeth , Reventlow Susanne , Siersma Volkert , Nicolaisdottir Dagny Ros , Jepsen Randi , Rasmussen Knud , Møller Anne 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundFew family interaction processes are more detrimental to children's health than family conflicts. Conflictual relationships in childhood predict a host of adverse health outcomes across the life course. The current study examines associations between household conflicts and the health of children aged 6–12 years and explores to which extent this may vary by socioeconomic status (SES) and multimorbidity (MM) in the household.MethodsCross‐sectional study using questionnaire data gathered between 2016 and 2020 as part of the Lolland‐Falster Health Study (LOFUS) combined with routine register data on health care use and socio‐demography from the Danish nationwide administrative databases. The study sample consisted of 1065 children 6–12 years old, who answered LOFUS4 or LOFUS11, from 777 households for which at least one adult answered LOFUS18. Main outcome was children's health complaints, defined as headache, abdominal pain, back pain, and sleep difficulties. Covariates included MM, SES, and conflicts, all three measured at household level. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.ResultsConflicts were negatively associated with children's health. This was most pronounced for general conflicts in the household, with increased complaints of abdominal pain, back pain, and sleep difficulties. The associations varied when we stratified the households according to MM and SES. Significant associations were found within households without MM for abdominal pain, and within households with MM and low SES, and without MM and with high SES for sleep difficulties. While the higher level of abdominal pain for the above indicated households were found for both internal and external conflicts in the household, the higher level in sleep difficulties was mostly driven by internal conflicts.ConclusionChildren reporting frequent health complaints have a higher future health care use compared with children without such complaints. Our results indicate that growing up in a household with a high conflict level might be a predisposing factor.
Association of GDF15 levels with body mass index and endocrine status in β‐thalassaemia
Authors: Karusheva Yanislava , Petry Clive J. , Yasara Nirmani , Kottahachchi Dulani , Premawardhena Anuja , Barker Peter , Burling Keith , Sattar Naveed , Welsh Paul , Mettananda Sachith , O'Rahilly Stephen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveGDF15 has emerged as a stress‐induced hormone, acting on the brain to reduce food intake and body weight while affecting neuroendocrine function. Very high GDF15 levels are found in thalassaemia, where growth, energy balance and neuroendocrine function are impaired. We examined the relationships between GDF15 and anthropometric measures and endocrine status in β‐thalassaemia.DesignCross sectional study.PatientsAll β‐thalassaemia patients attending the thalassaemia unit of Colombo North Teaching Hospital for blood transfusions.MeasurementsAnthropometric data, appetite scores, circulating GDF15, IGF, thyroid and reproductive hormone levels in 103 β‐thalassaemia patients were obtained.ResultsGDF15 levels were markedly elevated in thalassaemia patients (24.2‐fold with β‐thalassaemia major compared with healthy controls). Among patients with β‐thalassaemia major, the relationship between GDF15 and body mass index (BMI) was curvilinear with all individuals with GDF15 levels above 24,000 pg/mL having a BMI below 20 kg/m2. After adjustment for BMI, age and Tanner stage, serum IGF1 concentrations correlated negatively with GDF15 in all thalassaemia patients (β = −.027, p = .02). We found a significant positive relationship between GDF15 and gonadotropin (in both sexes) and testosterone (in males).ConclusionsGDF15 levels were markedly elevated in patients with β‐thalassaemia and its association with BMI is consistent with the known effect of GDF15 to reduce body weight. The inverse association between GDF15 with IGF1 levels may reflect a neuroendocrine impact of GDF15 or an indirect effect via impaired nutritional state. The positive association with testosterone in males and gonadotropins in both sexes, was surprising and should prompt further GDF15 studies on the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis.
High free leptin index as the risk factor for childhood obesity in Indonesia: A case–control study
Authors: Lubis Siska Mayasari , Fattah Miswar , Batubara Jose R. L. , Quinka Megan 
Published: February 2023

SummaryIdentifying the risk factors is critical in preventing childhood obesity. Leptin concentration is elevated in obesity. High serum leptin levels are believed to reduce soluble leptin receptor (sOB‐R) concentrations and are associated with leptin resistance. The free leptin index (FLI) is a biomarker of leptin resistance and the status of leptin action. This study aims to investigate the association between leptin, sOB‐R, and FLI with measurements to diagnose obesity in children, such as BMI, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). We conducted a case–control study in 10 elementary schools in Medan, Indonesia. The case group was children with obesity, while the control group was children with normal BMI. Leptin and sOB‐R levels were measured from all the subjects using the ELISA method. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine which factors were predictor variables of obesity. A total of 202 children between 6 and 12 years old were recruited for this study. Children with obesity showed significantly higher leptin levels and FLI and lower SOB‐R levels FLI (p < .05) than control. The cut‐off for WHtR in this study was 0.499 (sensitivity 90% and specificity 92.5%). Children with higher leptin levels had a higher risk of obesity based on BMI, waist circumference, and WHtR values.
Cohort study of fistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction in high trans‐sphincteric fistula‐in‐ano
Authors: Ebied Essam F. , Gendia Ahmed , Kamel Kareem Ahmed , Abdel‐Maksoud Ibrahim Magid 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimTreatment of complex fistula‐in‐ano is challenging and there is no consensus on the optimal treatment that can provide complete healing and preserve sphincter function. The aim of this study was to evaluate fistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction (FFSR) in the treatment of high trans‐sphincteric fistula.MethodThis is a prospective single‐centre study including patients with a high trans‐sphincteric fistula who underwent FFSR from June 2017 to June 2018. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by pelvic MRI and clinical examination. Other types of complex fistula were excluded. All patients were followed up for 1 year for recurrence and incontinence.ResultsForty patients underwent FFSR during the study period, 62.5% were men and the mean age was 37.45 (range 20–60) years. The mean time to achieve complete healing was 8.4 weeks, 35 (87.5%) patients achieved primary healing within 8 weeks and 5 (12.5%) patients required more time to achieve delayed healing. Four (10%) patients developed recurrence with a mean time for recurrence of 20 weeks. Only four (10%) patients developed incontinence; one to liquid stools and three patients only to gas.ConclusionFistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction is a safe option in the treatment of high trans‐sphincteric fistula in selected patients. This showed an acceptable recurrence rate when compared with other procedures with comparable sphincter function outcomes.
What is the hype on #MedicinalCannabis in the United States? A content analysis of medicinal cannabis tweets
Authors: Lim Carmen C. W. , Sun Tianze , Gartner Coral , Connor Jason , Fahmi Marco , Hall Wayne , Hames Sam , Stjepanović Daniel , Chan Gary , Leung Janni 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionMedicinal cannabis is now legal in 44 US jurisdictions. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, four US jurisdictions legalised medicinal cannabis. The aim of this study is to identify themes in medicinal cannabis tweets from US jurisdictions with different legal statuses of cannabis from January to June 2021.MethodsA total of 25,099 historical tweets from 51 US jurisdictions were collected using Python. Content analysis was performed on a random sample of tweets accounting for the population size of each US jurisdictions (n = 750). Results were presented separately by tweets posted from jurisdictions where all cannabis use (non‐medicinal and medicinal) is ‘fully legalised’, ‘illegal’ and legal for ‘medical‐only’ use.ResultsFour themes were identified: ‘Policy’, ‘Therapeutic value’, ‘Sales and industry opportunities’ and ‘Adverse effects’. Most of the tweets were posted by the public. The most common theme was related to ‘Policy’ (32.5%–61.5% of the tweets). Tweets on ‘Therapeutic value’ were prevalent in all jurisdictions and accounted for 23.8%–32.1% of the tweets. Sales and promotional activities were prominent even in illegal jurisdictions (12.1%–26.5% of the tweets). Fewer than 10% of tweets were about intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.Discussion and ConclusionThis study has explored if content themes of medicinal cannabis tweets differed by cannabis legal status. Most tweets were pro‐cannabis and they were related to policy, therapeutic value, and sales and industry opportunities. Tweets on unsubstantiated health claims, adverse effects and crime warrants continued surveillance as these conversations could allow us to estimate cannabis‐related harms to inform health surveillance.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Aotearoa, New Zealand: Estimates of prevalence and indications of inequity
Authors: Romeo Jose S. , Huckle Taisia , Casswell Sally , Connor Jennie , Rehm Jurgen , McGinn Valerie 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionFoetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is 100% caused by alcohol. The lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure cannot be reversed. Lack of reliable national prevalence estimates of FASD is common internationally and true of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This study modelled the national prevalence of FASD and differences by ethnicity.MethodsFASD prevalence was estimated from self‐reported data on any alcohol use during pregnancy for 2012/2013 and 2018/2019, combined with risk estimates for FASD from a meta‐analysis of case‐ascertainment or clinic‐based studies in seven other countries. A sensitivity analysis using four more recent active case ascertainment studies was performed to account for the possibility of underestimation.ResultsWe estimated FASD prevalence in the general population to be 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0%; 2.7%) in the 2012/2013 year. For Māori, the prevalence was significantly higher than for Pasifika and Asian populations. In the 2018/2019 year, FASD prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI 0.9%; 1.9%). For Māori, the prevalence was significantly higher than for Pasifika and Asian populations. The sensitivity analysis estimated the prevalence of FASD in the 2018/2019 year to range between 1.1% and 3.9% and for Māori, from 1.7% to 6.3%.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study used methodology from comparative risk assessments, using the best available national data. These findings are probably underestimates but indicate a disproportionate experience of FASD by Māori compared with some ethnicities. The findings support the need for policy and prevention initiatives to support alcohol‐free pregnancies to reduce lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Change in albuminuria as a surrogate endpoint for cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with diabetes
Authors: Palmer Biff F. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFor the purpose of predicting clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, change in albuminuria is a good candidate to be a surrogate marker for future cardiovascular events and progression of kidney disease. Spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio is convenient and recognized as a viable alternative to 24‐h albumin, with some limitations. Although there is sufficient evidence to validate its use in clinical trials as a surrogate endpoint for renal outcomes, this is not yet the case for cardiovascular outcomes. While change in albuminuria as a primary or secondary endpoint is trial‐specific, its use should be encouraged, nonetheless.
Car accidents in drivers with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis: A Swedish nationwide study
Authors: Anjemark Linnea , Selander Helena , Persson Hanna C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeParkinson's disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) can impair driving. However, we lack evidence on car accidents associated with these diseases. The aims of this study were to examine what types of car accident were associated with drivers with PD and MS, compared to individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC; the comparison group), and to evaluate the occurrence of car accidents in relation to years since diagnosis.MethodsThis retrospective nationwide, registry‐based study included drivers involved in car accidents between 2010 and 2019, based on the Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition database. Data on pre‐existing diagnoses were retrieved retrospectively from the National Patient Registry. Data analyses included group comparisons, time‐to‐event analysis, and binary logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 1491 drivers, including 199 with PD, 385 with MS, and 907 with UC, were registered to have been involved in a car accident. The mean time from diagnosis to the car accident was 5.6 years for PD, 8.0 years for MS, and 9.4 years for UC. Time to car accident since diagnosis differed significantly (p < 0.001) among groups (adjusted for age). Drivers with PD had more than twice the odds of a single‐car accident than drivers with MS or UC, but no differences were observed between MS and UC.ConclusionsDrivers with PD were older and experienced the car accident within a shorter timeframe after disease diagnosis. Although several factors may cause a car accident, fitness to drive could be more thoroughly evaluated for patients with PD by physicians, even early after the diagnosis.
Intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen prevents skin photoaging through reduction of oxidative stress
Authors: Kiyoi Takeshi , Liu Shuang , Takemasa Erika , Hato Naohito , Mogi Masaki 
Published: February 2023

AimMolecular hydrogen is not only expected to be used as an energy‐generating resource, but also to have preventive effects on a variety of clinical manifestations related to oxidative stress through scavenging radicals or regulating gene expression. In the current study, we investigated the influence of intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas at a safe concentration (1.3%) on photoaging using an ultraviolet A (UVA)‐irradiated murine model.MethodsTo mimic the expected human daily activity cycle, UVA exposure in the daytime and hydrogen exposure in the night‐time, an original design, UVA‐transmission, hydrogen‐exposure system was established. Mice were bred under experimental conditions of UVA irradiation and normal air for 8 h (outdoor time 09.00–17.00 hours), and UVA non‐irradiation and inhalation of hydrogen gas for 16 h (indoor time 17.00–09.00 hours), and the daily cycle was continued for up to 6 weeks. The progression of photoaging, including morphological changes, collagen degradation and UVA‐related DNA damage, was evaluated.ResultsIntermittent administration of hydrogen gas by our system prevented UVA‐induced epidermal signs, such as hyperplasia, melanogenesis and appearance of senescence cells, and UVA‐induced dermal signs, such as collagen degradation. In addition, we detected attenuation of DNA damage in the hydrogen exposure group as indirect evidence that intermittent exposure to hydrogen gas reduced oxidative stress.ConclusionsOur findings support the notion that long‐term, intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas in daily life has a beneficial effect on UVA‐induced photoaging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 304–312.