bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Maguy Ange , Mahendran Yuvaraj , Tardif Jean-Claude , Busseuil David , Li Jin 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is by far the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In about 3% of individuals, AF develops as a primary disorder without any identifiable trigger (idiopathic or historically termed lone AF). In line with the emerging field of autoantibody-related cardiac arrhythmias, the objective of this study was to explore whether autoantibodies targeting cardiac ion channels can underlie unexplained AF.

METHODS:
Peptide microarray was used to screen patient samples for autoantibodies. We compared patients with unexplained AF (n=37 pre-existent AF; n=14 incident AF on follow-up) to age- and sex-matched controls (n=37). Electrophysiological properties of the identified autoantibody were then tested in vitro with the patch clamp technique and in vivo with an experimental mouse model of immunization.

RESULTS:

A common autoantibody response against K
ir
3.4 protein was detected in patients with AF and even before the development of clinically apparent AF. K
ir
3.4 protein forms a heterotetramer that underlies the cardiac acetylcholine-activated inwardly rectifying K
+
current,
I
KACh
. Functional studies on human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived atrial cardiomyocytes showed that anti-K
ir
3.4 IgG purified from patients with AF shortened action potentials and enhanced the constitutive form of
I
KACh
, both key mediators of AF. To establish a causal relationship, we developed a mouse model of K
ir
3.4 autoimmunity. Electrophysiological study in K
ir
3.4-immunized mice showed that K
ir
3.4 autoantibodies significantly reduced atrial effective refractory period and predisposed animals to a 2.8-fold increased susceptibility to AF.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an autoimmune pathogenesis of AF with direct evidence of K
ir
3.4 autoantibody-mediated AF.
Intravenous Thrombolysis Is Associated With Better Outcomes in Large‐Vessel Occlusion Requiring Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Isenberg Derek L , Herres Joseph , Brandler Ethan S. , Zhao Huaqing , Kraus Chadd K. , Ackerman Daniel , Sigal Adam , Kuc Alexander , Nomura Jason T. , Cooney Derek R. , Mullen Michael T. , Shahan Judy B. , Murphy Kathleen A. , Deaner Traci , Wojcik Susan , Gentile Nina T. 
Published: July 2023

Background
Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) are both important treatments for large‐vessel occlusion stroke. However, it is still unclear how the timing of IVT, EVT, and the need for transfer of a patient to an endovascular stroke center for EVT affect outcomes. In this investigation, we study the interaction between IVT, rapidity to EVT, and need for transfer among patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke.

Methods

This investigation is an analysis of the OPUS‐REACH (Optimizing the Use Prehospital Stroke Systems of Care–Reacting to Changing Paradigms) registry of patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke from 9 endovascular centers in the United States. Using the database, we extracted baseline characteristics of patients, whether the patient received IVT, and time intervals in the patients’ care. Patient demographics and characteristics were compared between 2 groups using the χ
2
test for categorical variables and 2‐sample
t
‐tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted associations of the variables with 90‐day dichotomized modified Rankin Scale outcome.

Results
A total of 1171 patients were included in the final analysis, and 38.9% had good functional outcome at 90 days. Male sex and lower initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were nonmodifiable factors associated with good clinical outcomes. We saw no differences in outcome whether a patient underwent primary or secondary transport. On multiple variable analysis, the receipt of IVT was the only modifiable factor associated with good outcomes. We found no overall effect of time from last known well to EVT on 90‐day outcomes unless the patient received IVT.

Conclusions
In this investigation, receipt of IVT was independently associated with improved outcomes at 90 days with an odds ratio of 1.51. Neither shorter time from last known well to EVT nor direct transport to an endovascular stroke center versus transfer to an endovascular stroke center was associated with improved outcomes. We therefore conclude that prehospital algorithms must account for the timely administration of IVT over time to EVT.
Punishment before Trial: The Case for Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria
Authors: Arinze-Onyia Chuka 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In decent society, before a person is punished, they must have committed a crime. The laws of democratic countries prohibit punishment before trial. In Nigeria, that prohibition is contained in the constitution which grants everyone accused of crime, the right to a fair trial and the right to be presumed innocent until otherwise is proven. This paper tries to show that despite these constitutional protections given to all persons in Nigeria, pretrial detainees who are merely accused of crimes suffer extremely punitive conditions before they are subjected to a trial. This paper demonstrates the failure of the Nigerian pretrial detention system to protect the dignity of pretrial detainees whose guilt has not been proved before a court. At the end, this paper draws ideas from Ghana and United States of America, of reforms that could help Nigeria fix its broken pretrial detention system.
Right to Development Governance: A Policy Proposition for the Kingdom of Lesotho
Authors: Ngang Carol Chi , Shale Itumeleng , Yuni Denis Nfor , Tsoeu-Ntokoane Seroala 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this article, we advance a right to development governance policy proposition for the Kingdom of Lesotho. Contrary to the grim realities that portray Lesotho as landlocked and least developed, the country presents enormous potential, which with the correct policy choices, can radically transform the development landscape across the country. To harness Lesotho’s multiple development futures with strategic foresight entails blending futures analysis with scenario development modelling, absent which is bound to produce ambiguities in policy formulation. From a blend of perspectives in law, economics and political science, we inquire whether an alternative model could produce transformative development deliverables in Lesotho. Drawing from the modelling of three development scenarios, we argue in favour of the right to development governance model, which we find more pragmatic, with the potential to respond to Lesotho’s situational realities.
On the Observed Wind-Driven Circulation Response in Small Semienclosed Bays
Authors: Cáceres-Euse Alejandro , Morales-Márquez Veronica , Molcard Anne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study analyzes horizontal and vertical wind-driven circulation responses in small semienclosed bays, the associated offshore dynamic conditions, and the relative importance of each term in the momentum balance equations using a multiplatform observational system. The observational platform consists of three ADCPs and a land-based radar monitoring the velocity field within the bay and in the contiguous offshore area. The wind-driven patterns in the bay can switch from a barotropic cyclonic or anticyclonic circulation to a two-layer baroclinic mode response as a function of the wind regime (its direction and magnitude). For the baroclinic mode, the vertical location of the inflection point in the velocity profile can vary according to the proximity of the boundary current to the entrance of the bay. The influence of offshore combined meteorological and marine conditions on the inner-bay dynamics is evidenced under moderate to strong wind conditions and is almost nonexistent under negligible wind. The momentum balance analysis as well as the nondimensional numbers evidence the impact of wind stress, coastline shape, stratification, and the nonlinear advective terms. Advection can be at the same order of magnitude as pressure gradient, Coriolis, or wind stress terms and can be greater than the bottom stress terms. The nonlinear terms in the momentum equations are frequently neglected when analyzing wind-driven circulation by means of in situ data or analytical models.
Development and Initial Validation of the Positive and Negative Co-Rumination Scale
Authors: Yang Hongfei , Huang Chenzhi , Maccann Carolyn , He Yujin , Jiang Haixia , Yu Guoqing 
Published: July 2023

This article presents two studies with data from 750 college students (58.67% females, Mage = 20.79 years) and 1035 school students (52.1% girls, Mage = 14.44 years) respectively, describing the development and initial validation of the Positive and Negative Co-Rumination Scale (PANCRS). The PANCRS consists of 32 items with 3 second-order factors: Positive Co-Rumination consisting of 3 first-order factors (i.e., Affirmation, Problem-Solving and Enhancing Friendship), Negative Co-Rumination consisting of 4 first-order factors (i.e., Worry About Evaluation, Inhibiting Happiness, Worry About Impact and Slack) and Frequency consisting of 2 first-order factors (i.e., Frequencies of Co-Rumination on Positive and Negative Events). Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the measure’s 9 first-order and 3 second-order factors structure. Moreover, correlation analyses provided first evidence for the subscales’ differential validity: (1) Positive Co-Rumination showed positive correlations with positive indicators of psychological adjustment (i.e., friendship quality and life satisfaction) and negative correlations with negative indicators of psychological adjustment (i.e., anxiety and depression); (2) Negative Co-Rumination showed non-significant or negative correlations with positive indicators of psychological adjustment and positive correlations with negative indicators of psychological adjustment; (3) Frequency showed positive correlations with both positive and negative indicators of psychological adjustment. In addition, all PANCRS scores showed satisfactory composite reliability (omegas) and temporal stability (test-retest). Overall the findings suggest that the PANCRS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess positive and negative aspects of Co-rumination.
Estimating the Irreducible Uncertainty in Visual Diagnosis: Statistical Modeling of Skill Using Response Models
Authors: Pusic Martin V. , Rapkiewicz Amy , Raykov Tenko , Melamed Jonathan 
Published: July 2023

Background For the representative problem of prostate cancer grading, we sought to simultaneously model both the continuous nature of the case spectrum and the decision thresholds of individual pathologists, allowing quantitative comparison of how they handle cases at the borderline between diagnostic categories. Methods Experts and pathology residents each rated a standardized set of prostate cancer histopathological images on the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) scale used in clinical practice. They diagnosed 50 histologic cases with a range of malignancy, including intermediate cases in which clear distinction was difficult. We report a statistical model showing the degree to which each individual participant can separate the cases along the latent decision spectrum. Results The slides were rated by 36 physicians in total: 23 ISUP pathologists and 13 residents. As anticipated, the cases showed a full continuous range of diagnostic severity. Cases ranged along a logit scale consistent with the consensus rating (Consensus ISUP 1: mean −0.93 [95% confidence interval {CI} −1.10 to −0.78], ISUP 2: −0.19 logits [−0.27 to −0.12]; ISUP 3: 0.56 logits [0.06–1.06]; ISUP 4 1.24 logits [1.10–1.38]; ISUP 5: 1.92 [1.80–2.04]). The best raters were able to meaningfully discriminate between all 5 ISUP categories, showing intercategory thresholds that were quantifiably precise and meaningful. Conclusions We present a method that allows simultaneous quantification of both the confusability of a particular case and the skill with which raters can distinguish the cases. Implications The technique generalizes beyond the current example to other clinical situations in which a diagnostician must impose an ordinal rating on a biological spectrum. Highlights Question: How can we quantify skill in visual diagnosis for cases that sit at the border between 2 ordinal categories—cases that are inherently difficult to diagnose? Findings: In this analysis of pathologists and residents rating prostate biopsy specimens, decision-aligned response models are calculated that show how pathologists would be likely to classify any given case on the diagnostic spectrum. Decision thresholds are shown to vary in their location and precision. Significance: Improving on traditional measures such as kappa and receiver-operating characteristic curves, this specialization of item response models allows better individual feedback to both trainees and pathologists, including better quantification of acceptable decision variation.
Anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 recovered health care workers: One year follow-up study
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Haq Mohsina , Rehman Asif , Haq Najib Ul 
Published: July 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and durability of the anti-nucleocapsid-IgG antibody titer in healthcare workers previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 for a period of 12 months. Methods: This study examined blood samples for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG collected periodically from 120 healthcare workers previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 (confirmed by RT-PCR) and followed longitudinally up to 12 months from their enrolment into the study. Results: The median anti-N-IgG antibody level identified at 3 months was 23.7 CO-index (IQR: 9.13–50.27) and increased to 32.9 CO-index (IQR: 11.8–84.4) at 6 months. At 9 months, the median anti-N-IgG antibody level started to wane in the subsequent time and was dropped to 14 CO-index (IQR: 3.4–37.6) and declined further to 9.8 CO-index at 12 months (IQR: 2.8–9.8). When classified by age groups, the only statistically significant difference in anti-N-IgG between the two age groups (≤30 years and >30 years) was identified at 12 month time point (median difference 8.06, p = 0.035). Spearman correlation coefficient was negatively associated between anti-N-IgG and time interval ( r = −0.255, p = 0.000) but was not statistically significant with age of a patient ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels started declining after 6 months but remained detectable in the majority of patients up to 12 months.
Caregiving During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Factors Associated With Feelings of Caregiver Preparedness
Authors: Turner Rachael L. , Reese-Melancon Celinda , Harrington Erin E. , Andreo Micaela 
Published: July 2023

Examination of caregiver preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic can inform efforts to support caregivers in future times of global crisis. Informal caregivers of adults with dementia or severe disabilities ( n = 72, M age = 62.82 years, 90.28% female) were recruited through Adult Day Centers across the United States. Caregivers responding to an online survey regarding their experiences and preparedness reported an increase in burden, stress, and time spent caregiving since the onset of the pandemic. Caregivers reported feeling prepared for typical caregiving responsibilities but felt less prepared for someone else to assume the role of primary caregiver. Multiple regression modeling indicated that resilience accounted for significant variance in primary caregiver preparedness, over and above burden, but only caregiver age accounted for significant variability in a component representing feeling prepared to delegate caregiving to another person. These findings have implications for research and applied efforts to promote caregiver well-being and preparedness.
Optimization of electrospun chitosan/polyethylene oxide hybrid nanofibril composite via response surface methodology
Authors: Abdelhady Saleh S , EL-Desouky AR , Kassab AMF , Barakat Waleed , Zoalfakar Said H 
Published: July 2023

The present study is an attempt to optimize the electrospinning parameters to fabricate chitosan/polyethylene oxide hybrid nanofiber composite with minimum diameter and coefficient of variation (homogeneity) by using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on central composite design (CCD), four factors (the chitosan/PEO ratio, the applied voltage, the needle-to-collector distance, and the spinning angle) was applied to evaluate the individual and combined effects of the parameters on the average diameter of nanofibers. Chitosan (CH) was blended with Polyethylene oxide (PEO) at weight ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1. As the composition ratio of chitosan was reduced, the viscosity of the chitosan/PEO blend solution also dropped. The RSM model identified the following conditions as necessary to produce the desired and most uniform CS/PEO fiber diameter: a CS/PEO blend ratio of 2:1 (w/w), a voltage of 25 kV, a distance of 20 cm, and a spinning angle of 45°. The average nanofiber diameter and homogeneity under these conditions were calculated to be 73 nm and 20.5%, respectively, compared to the predicted values of 71 nm and 15.58%, respectively.
The Role of Sex and Gender in Dermatology - From Pathogenesis to Clinical Implications
Authors: Lagacé François , D’Aguanno Kathleen , Prosty Connor , Laverde-Saad Alexandra , Cattelan Leila , Ouchene Lydia , Oliel Sarah , Genest Genevieve , Doiron Philip , Richer Vincent , Jfri Abdulhadi , O’Brien Elizabeth , Lefrançois Philippe , Powell Mathieu , Moreau Linda , Litvinov Ivan V. , Muntyanu Anastasiya , Netchiporouk Elena 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundSex and gender have increasingly been recognized as significant risk factors for many diseases, including dermatological conditions. Historically, sex and gender have often been grouped together as a single risk factor in the scientific literature. However, both may have a distinct impact on disease incidence, prevalence, clinical presentation, severity, therapeutic response, and associated psychological distress.Objectives and project descriptionThe mechanisms that underlie differences in skin diseases between males, females, men, and women remain largely unknown. The specific objectives of this review paper are: To highlight the biological differences between males and females (sex), as well as the sociocultural differences between men and women (gender) and how they impact the integumentary system. To perform a literature review to identify important sex- and gender-related epidemiological and clinical differences for various skin conditions belonging to a range of disease categories and to discuss possible biological and sociocultural factors that could explain the observed differences. To discuss dermatological skin conditions and gender-affirming treatments within the transgender community, a population of individuals who have a gender identity which is different than the gender identity they were assigned at birth.Future impactWith the rising number of individuals that identify as non-binary or transgender within our increasingly diverse communities, it is imperative to recognize gender identity, gender, and sex as distinct entities. By doing so, clinicians will be able to better risk-stratify their patients and select treatments that are most aligned with their values. To our knowledge, very few studies have separated sex and gender as two distinct risk factors within the dermatology literature. Our article also has the potential to help guide future prevention strategies that are patient-tailored rather than using a universal approach.
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescence: A two-year follow-up study
Authors: Kazlauskas Evaldas , Kairyte Agniete , Zelviene Paulina 
Published: July 2023

Background Complex posttraumatic stress disorder is a new diagnosis in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). There is a need for a better understanding of complex PTSD in children and adolescents. Objective The study aimed to estimate the factors associated with chronic complex PTSD versus recovery of complex PTSD in adolescents in a 2-year follow-up study. Method In total, 66 adolescents, mean age 14.5, 73% female, identified as having complex PTSD using self-report at baseline recruited from a general population sample, were included in the study. The International Trauma Questionnaire - Child and Adolescent Version (ITQ-CA) was used for the assessment of complex PTSD. Results Overall, 36% of the study sample has been identified as having chronic complex PTSD over 2 years, 10% met the criteria for PTSD at a 2-year follow-up, and 54% recovered. A higher risk for chronic complex PTSD was associated with exposure to more traumatic events and more life-stressors over the 2 years, low social network, low positive social support, bullying at school, and loneliness. Conclusion The study found that around one-third of the traumatized youth had a prolonged trajectory of complex PTSD symptoms, which were associated with negative life experiences and social difficulties.
Type 2 Endoleak Detection After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Can Low-Flow Endoleaks Also Be Visualized in Silicon-Photomultiplier-Based Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scans?
Authors: Harigai Ayaka , Toyama Yoshitaka , Umetsu Michihisa , Takanami Kentaro , Takase Kei 
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To present a novel clinical application of silicon-photomultiplier-based positron emission tomography (SiPM-based PET)/computed tomography (CT), detecting a type II endoleak 5 years after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Technique: SiPM-based PET/CT scans with a standard whole-body protocol were performed for a 73-year-old man with a past medical history of abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with EVAR and currently under investigation of his duodenal papillary carcinoma. The PET/CT demonstrated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation outside the stent graft in the native sac of the aneurysm. The site of accumulation corresponded to that of the contrast enhancement depicted in the CT angiography taken 1 month earlier. Another CT scan performed 3 months later revealed enlargement of the aneurysm. Conclusion: SiPM-based PET/CT, with its superior sensitivity and spatial resolution over conventional PET/CT, can detect type II low-flow endoleaks. Clinical Impact Abnormal intra-aneurysmal FDG activity incidentally detected on SiPM-based PET/CT is worthy of attention because it may be indicative of endoleaks. Additional imaging using different modalities should be considered so that the patient would not miss the additional treatment opportunity upon observing sac enlargement. For patients with contraindications for iodine CT contrast media, SiPM-based PET/CT would serve as a suitable alternative.