bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for hand osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Døssing Anna , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Kroon Féline PB , Balsby Ida Maria , Tarp Simon , Kloppenburg Margreet , Stamp Lisa , Haugen Ida K , Altman Roy D , Henriksen Marius , Boesen Mikael , Bliddal Henning , Berg Søren , Christensen Robin 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the comparative effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for hand osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe systematically searched Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until 26 December 2021, for randomised trials of pharmacological interventions for people with hand OA. Two reviewers independently extracted study data and assessed the risk of bias. We calculated the effect sizes for pain (standardised mean differences) using Bayesian random effects models for network meta-analysis (NMA) and pairwise meta-analysis. Based on a pre-specified protocol, we prospectively registered the study at PROSPERO, CRD42021215393.ResultsWe included 72 trials with 7609 participants. 65 trials (n=5957) were eligible for the quantitative synthesis, investigating 29 pharmacological interventions. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral glucocorticoids’ NMA effect sizes were −0.18 (95% credible interval −0.36 to 0.02) and −0.54 (−0.83 to −0.24), respectively, compared with placebo, and the result was consistent when limiting evidence to the pairwise meta-analysis of trials without high risk of bias. Intra-articular hyaluronate, intra-articular glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, and topical NSAIDs’ NMA effect sizes were 0.22 (−0.08 to 0.51), 0.25 (0.00 to 0.51), −0.01 (−0.19 to 0.18), and −0.14 (−0.33 to 0.08), respectively, compared with placebo. Oral NSAIDs were inferior to oral glucocorticoids with an NMA effect size of 0.36 (0.01 to 0.72). No intervention was superior to placebo when stratifying for thumb and finger OA.ConclusionOral NSAIDs and glucocorticoids are apparently effective pharmacological interventions in hand OA. Intra-articular therapies and topical NSAIDs were not superior to placebo.
The particle surface of spinning test particles
Authors: Song Yong , Cen Yiting , Tang Leilei , Hu Jiabao , Diao Kai , Zhao Xiaofeng , Shi Shunping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, inspired by the definition of the photon surface given by Claudel, Virbhadra, and Ellis, we give an alternative quasi-local definition to study the circular orbits of single-pole particles. This definition does not only apply to photons but also to massive point particles. For the case of photons in spherically symmetric spacetime, it will give a photon surface equivalent to the result of Claudel, Virbhadra, and Ellis. Meanwhile, in general static and stationary spacetime, this definition can be regarded as a quasi-local form of the effective potential method. However, unlike the effective potential method which can not define the effective potential in dynamical spacetime, this definition can be applied to dynamical spacetime. Further, we generalize this definition directly to the case of pole–dipole particles. In static spherical symmetry spacetime, we verify the correctness of this generalization by comparing the results obtained by the effective potential method.
Lorentzian wormhole in the framework of loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Sengupta Rikpratik , Ghosh Shounak , Kalam Mehedi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we construct a traversable static Lorentzian wormhole in the effective scenario of Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC), where the field equations are modified due to the ultraviolet (UV) corrections introduced at large space-time curvatures. A stable wormhole can be constructed in the effective scenario without the violation of Null energy condition (NEC) by physical matter at the throat. The NEC is effectively violated due to the corrections in the field equations from LQC, resolving the Weyl curvature singularity at the throat. However, the physical matter does violate the Strong energy condition (SEC), suggesting the interesting possibility that dark energy can be harnessed into a wormhole. A possible explanation for this is the presence of inherent pressure isotropy in the UV-corrected field equations (discussed and compared to braneworld wormholes in the discussion). No additional exotic ingredient (violating NEC) is required, avoiding quantum instabilities. The tidal forces at the throat do not diverge and also the throat is found to be stable. The wormhole features an attractive geometry. LQC can resolve both types of curvature singularities appearing at the black hole centre and wormhole throat, without exotic matter.
The 3-forced 2-structures
Authors: Boussaïri Abderrahim , Ille Pierre 
Published: September 2023

Given sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], a labeled 2-structure is a function [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. The set [Formula: see text] is called the vertex set of [Formula: see text] and denoted by [Formula: see text]. The label set of [Formula: see text] is the set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. Given [Formula: see text], the 2-substructure [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is denoted by [Formula: see text]. The dual [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is defined on [Formula: see text] as follows. For distinct [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. A labeled 2-Structure [Formula: see text] is reversible provided that for [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]. We only consider reversible labeled 2-structures whose vertex set is finite. Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be 2-structures such that [Formula: see text]. Given [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-hemimorphic if for every [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, let [Formula: see text] be a 2-structure. Given [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-forced if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the only 2-structures [Formula: see text]-hemimorphic to [Formula: see text]. We characterize the [Formula: see text]-forced 2-structures. Last, we provide a large class of [Formula: see text]-forced 2-structures.
Evaluation of Mean Platelet Volume in Children with Hypertension
Authors: Yildiz Ismail , Kizilca Ozgur 
Published: September 2023

Background. Childhood hypertension, a disease with increasing prevalence, can lead to severe health problems. With the increased pressure on the vascular endothelium in hypertension, lesions in the endothelium result in endothelial activation and a process of inflammation, which causes platelet activation and in the bone marrow the release of platelet precursor cells into the peripheral blood stream. During inflammation, changes in the number and size of platelets are observed. With the release of platelet precursors into the peripheral blood stream due to platelet activation, an increase in mean platelet volume (MPV) is also seen. Aim. Our aim in this study is the evaluation of MPV changes in the hemogram of children suffering from hypertension, a condition causing severe cardiovascular problems. Material and Methods. This research is a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study. It consists of a patient group diagnosed with hypertension and a control group of children presenting for routine check-ups with no diagnosed hypertension. Demographic characteristics, arterial pressure values, and hemogram parameters have been evaluated. Results. A total of 90 cases were enrolled in the study, including a patient group of 45 cases with hypertension (19 females, 26 males) and a control group of 45 cases (27 females, 18 males). The median age was 15 years in the hypertension group and 13 years in the control group. In the hypertension cases, the thickness of the carotis intima media was statistically significantly greater than in the control group (

p

< 0.001). Echocardiographic findings (IVSd, LVDd, LVPWd, IVSs, LVDs, LVPWs, and LV mass) were significantly higher in the hypertension group compared to the control group (

p

< 0.001). A statistically significant difference in platelet count and MPV values between the groups was not found (

p

= 0.151,

p

= 0.405, respectively). Conclusion. While MPV is hypothesized to be higher in hypertensive individuals, there was no statistically significant difference between the hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups in this study.
Cancer Incidence and Mortality Estimates in Arab Countries in 2018: A GLOBOCAN Data Analysis
Authors: Al-Muftah Mariam , Al-Ejeh Fares 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
Arab countries are projecting increase in cancer incidence and mortality; however, there are limited studies that compare the epidemiology of cancer in Arab countries compared with other parts of the world.

Methods:
We used the 2018 Global Cancer Observatory data to compare the age-standardized incidence and mortality estimates in Arab-speaking countries to the rest of the world.

Results:
Rates for incidence and mortality for all cancers in Arab countries were lower than the world's rates but the incidence rates of non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder, breast, and liver cancers were higher. Arab countries generally had higher mortality-to-incidence ratio than the world's ratio. Incidence rates, even in age-specific groups, varied between subregions of Arab countries (the Levant, Arabian Gulf, and Arab African subregions), and Iraq and Egypt, suggesting some common and unique environmental factors and possible ethnic or genetic heritages.

Conclusions:
There are essential scopes for improvements in Arab countries including better treatments to reduce the high mortality-to-incidence ratio, and supporting vaccination programs and antiviral treatments that would prevent the prevalent viral infection–related cancers. The high incidence of several cancers in younger Arabs suggests genetic factors and underlines the importance of genetic epidemiology studies.

Impact:
This study is an essential reference to evaluate and monitor the progress of national cancer initiatives in Arab countries for surveillance and prevention programs and improving clinical management. The study also provides a comprehensive snapshot of cancers in a unique region that could shed light on the interplay of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors.
AACR Cancer Centers Alliance: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation to Advance Lifesaving Scientific Discoveries for Patients
Authors: Arteaga Carlos L. , Cleveland John L. , Foti Margaret , Mesa Ruben A. , Weiner Louis M. , Willman Cheryl L. , Tuveson David A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Basic and clinical cancer research discoveries stemming from the nation's cancer centers have markedly improved outcomes for many cancer patients. Despite this forward momentum in our progress against this complex disease, cancer in all its forms remains a major public health challenge that touches the lives of nearly every American, either directly or indirectly. The newly formed AACR Cancer Centers Alliance will accelerate the pace of discovery by providing an ongoing mechanism for transferring new knowledge, sharing resources, developing national demonstration projects, and driving innovation that impacts cancer science, cancer care delivery, and science and health policy.
Combined Treatment of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes and Endothelial Cells Regenerate the Infarcted Heart in Mice and Non-Human Primates
Authors: Cheng Yu-Che , Hsieh Marvin L. , Lin Chen-Ju , Chang Cindy M.C. , Huang Ching-Ying , Puntney Riley , Wu Moy Amy , Ting Chien-Yu , Herr Chan Darien Zhing , Nicholson Martin W. , Lin Po-Ju , Chen Hung-Chih , Kim Gina C. , Zhang Jianhua , Coonen Jennifer , Basu Puja , Simmons Heather A. , Liu Yen-Wen , Hacker Timothy A. , Kamp Timothy J. , Hsieh Patrick C.H. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:
Remuscularization of the mammalian heart can be achieved after cell transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, several hurdles remain before implementation into clinical practice. Poor survival of the implanted cells is related to insufficient vascularization, and the potential for fatal arrhythmogenesis is associated with the fetal cell–like nature of immature CMs.

METHODS:
We generated 3 lines of hiPSC-derived endothelial cells (ECs) and hiPSC-CMs from 3 independent donors and tested hiPSC–CM sarcomeric length, gap junction protein, and calcium-handling ability in coculture with ECs. Next, we examined the therapeutic effect of the cotransplantation of hiPSC-ECs and hiPSC-CMs in nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mice undergoing myocardial infarction (n≥4). Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, whereas arrhythmic events were recorded using 3-lead ECGs. We further used healthy non-human primates (n=4) with cell injection to study the cell engraftment, maturation, and integration of transplanted hiPSC-CMs, alone or along with hiPSC-ECs, by histological analysis. Last, we tested the cell therapy in ischemic reperfusion injury in non-human primates (n=4, 3, and 4 for EC+CM, CM, and control, respectively). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and cardiac MRI, whereas arrhythmic events were monitored by telemetric ECG recorders. Cell engraftment, angiogenesis, and host–graft integration of human grafts were also investigated.

RESULTS:
We demonstrated that human iPSC-ECs promote the maturity and function of hiPSC-CMs in vitro and in vivo. When cocultured with ECs, CMs showed more mature phenotypes in cellular structure and function. In the mouse model, cotransplantation augmented the EC-accompanied vascularization in the grafts, promoted the maturity of CMs at the infarct area, and improved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, in non-human primates, transplantation of ECs and CMs significantly enhanced graft size and vasculature and improved cardiac function after ischemic reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining iPSC-derived ECs and CMs for therapy in the postmyocardial infarction heart, enabling a promising strategy toward clinical translation.
Existing Nongated CT Coronary Calcium Predicts Operative Risk in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgeries (ENCORES)
Authors: Choi Daniel Y. , Hayes Dena , Maidman Samuel D. , Dhaduk Nehal , Jacobs Jill E. , Shmukler Anna , Berger Jeffrey S. , Cuff Germaine , Rehe David , Lee Mitchell , Donnino Robert , Smilowitz Nathaniel R. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:
Preoperative cardiovascular risk stratification before noncardiac surgery is a common clinical challenge. Coronary artery calcium scores from ECG-gated chest computed tomography (CT) imaging are associated with perioperative events. At the time of preoperative evaluation, many patients will not have had ECG-gated CT imaging, but will have had nongated chest CT studies performed for a variety of noncardiac indications. We evaluated relationships between coronary calcium severity estimated from previous nongated chest CT imaging and perioperative major clinical events (MCE) after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS:
We retrospectively identified consecutive adults age ≥45 years who underwent in-hospital, major noncardiac surgery from 2016 to 2020 at a large academic health system composed of 4 acute care centers. All patients had nongated (contrast or noncontrast) chest CT imaging performed within 1 year before surgery. Coronary calcium in each vessel was retrospectively graded from absent to severe using a 0 to 3 scale (absent, mild, moderate, severe) by physicians blinded to clinical data. The estimated coronary calcium burden (ECCB) was computed as the sum of scores for each coronary artery (0 to 9 scale). A Revised Cardiac Risk Index was calculated for each patient. Perioperative MCE was defined as all-cause death or myocardial infarction within 30 days of surgery.

RESULTS:

A total of 2554 patients (median age, 68 years; 49.7% women; median Revised Cardiac Risk Index, 1) were included. The median time interval from nongated chest CT imaging to noncardiac surgery was 15 days (interquartile range, 3–106 days). The median ECCB was 1 (interquartile range, 0–3). Perioperative MCE occurred in 136 (5.2%) patients. Higher ECCB values were associated with stepwise increases in perioperative MCE (0: 2.9%, 1–2: 3.7%, 3–5: 8.0%; 6–9: 12.6%,
P
<0.001). Addition of ECCB to a model with the Revised Cardiac Risk Index improved the C-statistic for MCE (from 0.675 to 0.712,
P
=0.018), with a net reclassification improvement of 0.428 (95% CI, 0.254–0.601,
P
<0.0001). An ECCB ≥3 was associated with 2-fold higher adjusted odds of MCE versus an ECCB <3 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.42–3.12]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Prevalence and severity of coronary calcium obtained from existing nongated chest CT imaging improve preoperative clinical risk stratification before noncardiac surgery.
Family income is not significantly associated with T1w/T2w ratio in the Human Connectome Project in Development
Authors: Weissman David G. , Baum Graham L. , Sanders Ashley , Rosen Maya L. , Barch Deanna M. , McLaughlin Katie A. , Somerville Leah H. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that brain development varies as a function of family socioeconomic status (SES). Numerous studies have demonstrated that children from low-SES backgrounds have thinner cortex than children from higher-SES backgrounds. A recent study in a large developmental sample found widespread associations between lower SES and greater cortical T1w/T2w ratio—thought to be an indirect proxy for cortical myelin. We evaluated the association of family income with cortical T1w/T2w ratio as a function of age in the Human Connectome Project in Development sample of 989 youth aged 8-21 years. We observed no associations between family income and T1w/T2w ratio that were significant after corrections for multiple comparisons at the region, network, or whole-brain level. Region of practical equivalence (ROPE) analyses were also consistent with the absence of an association between family income and T1w/T2w ratio. We discuss potential methodological sources of inconsistency between this and the previous study examining the same question. While the question of whether family income may influence cortical myelin development remains, these null results may indicate that the association between SES and cortical myelin development may not be as strong as with other aspects of brain structure.
Ossuary Burials of the Sultan-uiz-dag. Some Considerations on the Relation between Archaeology and Vendīdād
Authors: Minardi Michele 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The archaeological exploration of the only mountain range of Karakalpakstan, the barren Sultan-uiz-dag/Sultan-uvais, resumed in 2017 after a hiatus of decades since its first archaeological valuation during Soviet times. This paper presents the preliminary results of the first fieldwork season, which focused on the south-eastern spur of the range. The presence of numerous ossuary burials on its summits reveals that the area was used as an extended burial ground for a prolonged period of time. Although most of the ossuaries recorded consist of scattered fragments that had lost their content, an intact cluster of such burials was discovered and excavated (Site 01). The archaeological and osteological evidence gathered from both the survey and the excavation of Site 01 seems to confirm what until now could only be assumed: the Chorasmians strictly followed the ritual and the funerary prescriptions contained in the Avestan Vendīdād (or Vidēvdād). Until the major discovery of the Akchakhan-kala’s Avestan gods, the capacity to archaeologically trace Zoroastrianism was questioned. With due caution, this paper tries to find an answer to the problem regarding the presence of resilient Zoroastrianism in Chorasmia, a polity which entered the “Avestan sphere” apparently in parallel to the Achaemenid conquest.
Supplementation of honey bee production colonies with a native beneficial microbe mixture
Authors: Arredondo D. , Añón G. , Campá J. , Harriet J. , Castelli L. , Zunino P. , Antúnez K. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Honey bee colonies form a complex superorganism, with individual and social immune defences that control overall colony health. Sometimes these defences are not enough to overcome infections by parasites and pathogens. For that reason, several studies have been conducted to evaluate different strategies to improve honey bee health. A novel alternative that is being studied is the use of beneficial microbes. In a previous study, we isolated and characterised bacterial strains from the native gut microbiota of honey bees. Four Apilactobacillus kunkeei strains were mixed and administered in laboratory models to evaluate their potential beneficial effect on larvae and adult bees. This beneficial microbe mixture was safe; it did not affect the expression of immune-related genes, and it was able to decrease the mortality caused by Paenibacillus larvae infection in larvae and reduced the Nosema ceranae spore number in infected adult honey bees. In the present study, we aimed to delve into the impact of the administration of this beneficial microbe mixture on honey bee colonies, under field conditions. The mixture was administered in sugar syrup using lyophilised bacterial cells or fresh cultures, by aspersion or sprayed and feeder, once a week for three consecutive weeks, in autumn or spring 2015, 2017 and 2019. Colony strength parameters were estimated before the administration, and one and three months later. Simultaneously different samples were collected to evaluate the infection levels of parasites and pathogens. The results showed that administering the beneficial microbe mixture decreased or stabilised the infection by N. ceranae or Varroa destructor in some trials but not in others. However, it failed to improve the colony’s strength parameters or honey production. Therefore, field studies can be a game-changer when beneficial microbes for honey bees are tested, and meticulous studies should be performed to test their effectiveness.