bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late diagnosis of HIV in 2022: Why so little change?
Authors: Collins Simon , Namiba Angelina , Sparrowhawk Alex , Strachan Sophie , Thompson Marc , Nakamura Hideta 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe proportion of people who are diagnosed late is a key metric to measure the public health response to HIV. But this percentage remains stubbornly high in nearly every country. Delays in accessing antiretroviral therapy affects both (i) individual health, due to a higher risk of mortality, and (ii) population‐based health, due to continued risk of transmission. Despite huge efforts to increase testing, late diagnosis continues to be an indication of a public health failure.OutlineThis short review includes community perspectives on why late diagnosis continues and how it may be reduced. We discuss both structural barriers that prevent people from testing earlier and personal reasons why some people still refuse testing when offered. We note that late diagnosis is reported in all countries and in all demographic groups and that sex, gender, age, and sexuality all affect these rates. However, even in groups with high HIV awareness, such as in gay and bisexual men in the UK, more than one in three people with HIV continue to be diagnosed late. Fears and prejudice about HIV based on outdated information are still common among both health workers and people using health services. For example, testing is still not offered in primary or emergency care settings, and even free testing might not be accepted if someone fears the outcome might jeopardize their resident status, employment, relationship, or health.SummaryIn addition to developing targeted projects to reach the highest‐risk groups, a positive mainstream public campaign could make testing more acceptable at a broad population level across all demographics. This could challenge and repair the media campaigns from the 1980s that still contribute to the stigma that frightens people away from testing now. We hope that an effective approach in one country might also help others.
Interleukin‐10 promoter variability is associated with the susceptibility, severity, and clinical outcomes of aplasitc anemia in Han‐Chinese population
Authors: Wang Shichong , You Yahong , Ge Meili , Shao Yingqi , Huo Jiali , Ren Xiang , Li Xingxin , Huang Jinbo , Zhang Jing , Wang Min , Nie Neng , Jin Peng , Zheng Yizhou 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionAcquired aplastic anemia (AA), a heterogeneous bone marrow (BM) failure disease, is mainly mediated by the immune destruction of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Given the predominant role of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in AA, it is sensible to theorize that variants of cytokine genes might affect the outcome of IST.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin (IL)‐10 gene in promoter region to clarify their relationship with susceptibility, clinical efficacy and prognosis of AA.ResultsWe observed that CT genotype of IL‐10 rs1800896 was associated with a decreased risk of AA (adjusted OR = 0.541 [95% CI 0.295–0.993], p = .047). Besides, the disease severity differed considerably by IL‐10 gene promoter genotypes and alleles. Furthermore, IL‐10 SNPs influenced efficacy of IST, with unfavorable response exhibited by rs1800871 and rs1800872 in dominant models (GG + AG vs. AA, adjusted OR = 0.409 [95% CI 0.178–0.943, p = .036] for rs1800871 and GG + GT vs. TT, adjusted OR = 0.396 [95% CI 0.173–0.909, p = .028] for rs1800872, respectively).ConclusionThe polymorphisms of IL‐10 promoter region were informatively genetic risk factors which might be conducive to the insights into the mechanisms of AA and the design of individual regimens.
Conflictividad laboral en contextos de fragmentación y pluralismo sindical. Análisis empírico del caso de Chile
Authors: PÉREZ AHUMADA Pablo , OCAMPO Gino 
Published: November 2022

ResumenLa incidencia de las huelgas en Chile ha aumentado sustancialmente desde finales de la década de 2000. En este artículo analizamos la actividad huelguista centrándonos en un aspecto clave del modelo de relaciones laborales chileno: el pluralismo sindical. A partir de una encuesta representativa de las empresas del sector privado, estimamos modelos de regresión logística que indican que el pluralismo sindical incrementa significativamente la probabilidad de huelgas en las empresas. Sin embargo, nuestro análisis no permite concluir que el efecto positivo del pluralismo sindical se explique por la competencia entre sindicatos, tal como sugiere parte de la bibliografía internacional.
Extremely enhanced thermal stability of Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics by a Pechini method
Authors: Wei Yaxin , He Donglin , Fu Zhilong , Liu Yafei , Wu Ruifeng , Li Wenyuan , Lu Min , Xie Yahong , Chang Aimin , Zhang Bo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractY2/3Cu3Ti4O12 ceramic is a novel semiconductor with potential applications in electronic devices. However, its resistance drift and surface structure defects limit the application for negative temperature coefficient thermistor devices. A comparative study of solid‐phase and a Pechini processing of Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12 is presented in this paper, in the particular comparative study of stability. The Pechini method is found to be effective in lowering sintering temperature and improving thermal stability (ΔR/R0 < 0.3％) in comparison with solid‐phase method. The origin of the stability deterioration is related to the oxidation state of Cu ions and the migration of sublattice. The Pechini method overcomes stoichiometric ratio deviations and cation vacancy diffusion, thus reducing metal ion segregation in a continuous high‐temperature environment and thereby showing unique insensitivity to oxygen. The important role of the Pechini method in improving thermal stability is revealed, which is expected to be used in the preparation of high stability electron devices.
A randomized prospective study comparing single‐balloon‐assisted colonoscopy and cap‐assisted colonoscopy in patients with previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy
Authors: Cheng Tsz Fai , Cheng Ka Shing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionCecal intubation may be unsuccessful by conventional colonoscopy in some patients. Single‐balloon‐assisted colonoscopy (SBC) and cap‐assisted colonoscopy (CAC) were studied to solve this problem. There was no head‐to‐head comparison between them.MethodsWe conducted a randomized study from 2018 to 2021 to compare cecal intubation rate of SBC and CAC in patients with previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy. We recruited patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy in two hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients were randomized into SBC group and CAC group in 1:1 ratio. In the case of failure in cecal intubation by allocated method, alternative modality would be performed as rescue.ResultsForty‐four patients were recruited. Cecal intubation rate was superior in SBC group (22/22, 100%) than CAC group (16/22, 72.7%) (P = 0.02). No difference in cecal intubation time, polyp detection rate, and diagnostic gain in area not examined previously. SBC induced less discomfort (modified Gloucester comfort score 2.14 vs 2.63, P = 0.03) with use of comparable amount of midazolam and fentanyl as CAC. For patients failed cecal intubation by CAC, all (n = 6) were rescued successfully by SBC. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were greater in rescue subgroup. More patients were obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m) in rescue subgroup (67% vs 19%). None in rescue subgroup had history of successful cecal intubation by conventional colonoscopy (0% vs 56%, P = 0.046). However, we failed to demonstrate significant association in multivariate analysis owing to small sample size. No adverse event was noted.ConclusionSBC is superior to CAC in cecal intubation in patients with previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy.
Is TGR5 a therapeutic target for the treatment of spinal cord injury?
Authors: Smaling Anna , Romero‐Ramírez Lorenzo , Mey Jörg 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBile acids, which are synthesized in liver and colon, facilitate the digestion of dietary lipids. In addition to this metabolic function, they also act as molecular signals with activities in the nervous system. These are mediated primarily by a G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor (known as TGR5). Preceded by a long tradition in Chinese medicine, bile acids are now being investigated as therapeutic options in several neuropathologies. Specifically, one bile acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which passes the blood–brain barrier and shows anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects, has been tested in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). In this review, we discuss the evidence for a therapeutic benefit in these preclinical experiments. At the time of writing, 12 studies with TGR5 agonists have been published that report functional outcomes with rodent models of SCI. Most investigations found cytoprotective effects and benefits regarding the recovery of sensorimotor function in the subacute phase. When TUDCA was applied in a hydrogel into the lesion site, a significant improvement was obtained at 2 weeks after SCI. However, no lasting improvements with TUDCA treatment were found, when animals were assessed in later, chronic stages. A combination of TUDCA with stem cell injection failed to improve the effect of the cellular treatment. We conclude that the evidence does not support the use of TUDCA as a treatment of SCI. Nevertheless, cytoprotective effects suggest that different modes of application or combinatorial therapies might still be explored.image
Legal mobilization and branches of law: Contesting racialized policing in French courts
Authors: Boutros Magda 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWhen activists use the law to promote social change, how does the branch of law (criminal law, civil law, etc.) matter for movement outcomes? To examine this question, the article builds on legal mobilization scholarship, and on a qualitative study comparing three litigation strategies to contest racialized policing in France: mobilizing criminal law to hold officers accountable for police killings, mobilizing civil law to sue the state for racial profiling, and combining criminal and civil law to contest racialized police harassment. The findings suggest that three characteristics of legal branches matter for legal mobilization: (i) the branch's dominant paradigm (e.g., punitive vs. compensatory) determines how the problem gets framed and which actors are blamed for it; (ii) the legal provisions of each branch shape which aspects of the problem get highlighted, and which are obscured; (iii) the procedural and evidentiary rules determine the extent to which activists and victims can intervene in the fact-finding process and thus how much they can influence the strength of their claims in court. When they mobilize the law, social change actors strategize around the opportunities and constraints of various branches of law, to try influencing judicial decisions and the media coverage of cases.
Alfin‐like transcription factor VqAL4 regulates a stilbene synthase to enhance powdery mildew resistance in grapevine
Authors: Yan Chaohui , Yang Na , Li Ruimin , Wang Xinqi , Xu Yan , Zhang Chaohong , Wang Xiping , Wang Yuejin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractResveratrol is a phytoalexin that is synthesized by stilbene synthase (STS). Resveratrol in the human diet is known to have beneficial effects on health. We previously identified six novel STS (VqNSTS) transcripts from the transcriptome data of Vitis quinquangularis accession Danfeng‐2. However, the functions of and defensive mechanisms triggered by these VqNSTS transcripts remain unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that the expression of five of these six novel members, VqNSTS2–VqNSTS6, can be induced by the powdery mildew‐causing fungus Uncinula necator. Additionally, overexpression of VqNSTS4 in the V. vinifera susceptible cultivar Thompson Seedless promoted accumulation of stilbenes and enhanced resistance to U. necator by activating salicylic acid (SA) signalling. Furthermore, our results indicate that the Alfin‐like (AL) transcription factor VqAL4 can directly bind to the G‐rich element (CACCTC) in the VqNSTS4 promoter and activate gene expression. Moreover, overexpression of VqAL4 in Thompson Seedless enhanced resistance to U. necator by promoting stilbene accumulation and activating SA signalling. Conversely, RNA interference‐mediated silencing of VqNSTS4 and VqAL4 resulted in increased susceptibility to U. necator. Collectively, our results reveal that VqNSTS4, regulated by VqAL4, enhances grapevine resistance to powdery mildew by activating SA signalling. Our findings may be useful to improve disease resistance in perennial fruit trees.
Passive somatosensory training enhances piano skill in adolescent and adult pianists: A preliminary study
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Tanibuchi Ryuya , Nishioka Hayato , Kimoto Yudai , Hirano Masato , Oku Takanori 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSensory afferent information, such as auditory and somatosensory feedback while moving, plays a crucial role in both control and learning of motor performance across the lifespan. Music performance requires skillful integration of multimodal sensory information for the production of dexterous movements. However, it has not been understood what roles somatosensory afferent information plays in the acquisition and sophistication of specialized motor skills of musicians across different stages of development. In the present preliminary study, we addressed this issue by using a novel technique with a hand exoskeleton robot that can externally move the fingers of pianists. Short‐term exposure to fast and complex finger movements generated by the exoskeleton (i.e., passive movements) increased the maximum rate of repetitive piano keystrokes by the pianists. This indicates that somatosensory inputs derived from the externally generated motions enhanced the quickness of the sequential finger movements in piano performance, even though the pianists did not voluntarily move the fingers. The enhancement of motor skill through passive somatosensory training using the exoskeleton was more pronounced in adolescent pianists than adult pianists. These preliminary results implicate a sensitive period of neuroplasticity of the somatosensory‐motor system of trained pianists, which emphasizes the importance of somatosensory‐motor training in professional music education during adolescence.
Corneal tissue changes following short‐term soft contact lens wear of different materials
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Trillo‐Moreno Irene , Remon Laura 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeTo study the effect of different soft contact lens (CL) materials during short‐term wear on corneal tissue.MethodsTwenty‐two healthy participants wore both silicone hydrogel (MyDay, CooperVision) and hydrogel soft CLs (Biomedics 1 day extra, CooperVision) for 8 h per lens. In each session, Scheimpflug images were captured before and immediately after CL removal. Images were analysed using the densitometry distribution analysis, a technique from which two parameters, α (corneal transparency) and β (corneal homogeneity), were estimated. In addition, the central corneal thickness changes after CL wear and the influence of the CL material on corneal transparency were evaluated.ResultsThe β parameter (homogeneity) increased by 5% after wearing both CL materials (paired t‐test, p < 0.001). However, the α parameter (transparency) only increased in half of the participants. No material was found to be more determinant in causing the corneal densitometry changes. Statistically significant but not clinically relevant changes in corneal thickness were observed.ConclusionsBiomarkers of corneal tissue integrity (α and β) were affected by short‐term soft contact lens wear. The observed changes in corneal transparency and homogeneity were not clinically relevant but support the importance of participant‐material biocompatibility.
Justification of empiric methodology to determine dexmedetomidine dose for the TREX study
Authors: Disma Nicola , Goffredo Bianca M. , Cairoli Sara , Cirillo Ginevra , Morse James , Anderson Brian J. ,   the TREX (Trial Remifentanil DEXmedetomidine) Italian Investigators
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionDexmedetomidine is the sedative agent administered in combination with remifentanil and low dose of sevoflurane in the interventional arm of the ongoing TREX trial (Trial Remifentanil DExmedetomidine). The TREX pilot study (published in Paediatr Anaesth 2019;29:59–67) established infusion rates higher than those initially proposed. This could be attributed to an inappropriate target concentration for sedation or incorrect initial pharmacokinetic parameter estimates.MethodsThe TREX study is a Phase III, randomized, active controlled, parallel group, blinded evaluator, multicenter, superiority trial comparing neurological outcome after standard sevoflurane anesthesia with dexmedetomidine/remifentanil, and low dose sevoflurane anesthesia in children aged less than 2 years undergoing anesthesia of 2 h or longer. In this report, dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics were analyzed in the interventional arm of the Italian population.ResultsThere were 162 blood samples from 32 infants (22 male and 10 female). The median (IQR) age was 12 (5.2–15.5) months, weight 9.9 (7.3–10.8) kg. Duration of anesthesia ranged from 2 to 6 h. None of the children were born premature (median postnatal age 39 weeks, IQR 38–40 weeks). A 3‐compartment PK model that incorporated allometric scaling and a maturation function demonstrated plasma concentration observations from the current Italian arm of the TREX study were consistent with those predicted by a “universal” model using pooled data obtained from neonates to adults.ConclusionsThis current PK analysis from the Italian arm of the TREX study confirms that plasma concentration of dexmedetomidine is predictable using known covariates such as age and size. The initial target concentration (0.6 μg.L−1) used to sedate children cared for in the intensive care after cardiac surgery was inadequate for infants in the current TREX study. A target concentration 1 mcg.L−1, corresponding to a loading dose of 1 mcg.kg−1 followed by an infusion of 1 mcg.kg−1.h−1, provided adequate sedation.
High‐frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a salvage therapy for failed traditional SCS: A narrative review of the available evidence
Authors: Provenzano David Anthony , Park Nicholas , Edgar Deborah , Bovinet Chris , Tate Jordan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionTraditional spinal cord stimulation (t‐SCS) has been used to treat chronic pain for over 50 years. However, up to 30% of patients undergo explant, with the main indication being loss of efficacy (LoE), and few alternative treatment options exist for these patients. Strategies to mitigate LoE commonly include conversion to another type of SCS (termed ‘salvage’ or ‘rescue’). This review summarizes the existing literature concerning the efficacy and safety of 10 kHz SCS as a salvage therapy.MethodsWe searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other sources between January 2009 and April 2021. Records were retained if the authors reported clinical outcomes with a minimum of ≥ 3 months of follow‐up in patients implanted with a Senza® 10 kHz SCS system in an effort to treat t‐SCS LoE.ResultsTen articles were eligible for inclusion, reporting 3 prospective studies and 7 retrospective reviews. In the single study that salvaged patients without a repeat trial prior to surgery, 81% of patients were responders (≥ 50% pain relief from baseline), with mean pain relief of 60%. Among repeat‐trial studies, the responder rate ranged from 46% to 80%, and mean pain relief from 47% to 68%. No unanticipated therapy‐related safety issues were reported among the included articles.ConclusionPreliminary data suggest that chronic back and/or leg pain patients with t‐SCS LoE can experience improved and durable pain relief after conversion to 10 kHz SCS. However, additional research is needed to define predictors of success and establish whether salvage without a repeat trial is a viable conversion method.
Evaluation of strategies to optimize training populations for genomic prediction in oat (Avena sativa)
Authors: Sørensen Espen Sannes , Jansen Constantin , Windju Susanne , Crossa Jose , Sonesson Anna Kristina , Lillemo Morten , Alsheikh Muath 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGenomic selection is a promising breeding methodology that could increase selection accuracy and intensity and reduce generation interval. As the cost of genotyping decreases, it will be important to optimize training populations for costly phenotypic experiments for many complex traits. The aim of this research was to evaluate different optimization strategies, by using historical data from the Norwegian oat breeding programme at Graminor. In this paper, we focus on the optimization criteria: genetic diversity, phenotypic variance and genetic similarity between the training and testing populations. The four training population strategies—prediction core, diversity core, phenotypic selection and random selection—were applied to an oat candidate population of 1124 lines. An independent testing population was used to calculate the mean prediction abilities for the traits days to heading and plant height. Moreover, the strategies were tested in three independent wheat populations. The results showed that prediction core was the most promising strategy to select training populations with high genetic similarity to the testing set, high genetic diversity, and high phenotypic variance, which resulted in higher prediction ability across population sizes and traits.
The Resonance of Church and State: “Churchstate” Geopolitics, the 2009 Honduran Coup, and the Antidemocratic Turn in the Americas
Authors: Girard William 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThroughout the Americas, in countries such as Honduras, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and the United States, right‐wing governments allied with conservative Christians have increasingly pursued violent and antidemocratic means to acquire and maintain political power. Understanding the success of these regimes requires clarity about the ways that “church” and “state” both fuse and diverge. Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Honduras during the 2009 coup, this article details the right‐wing de facto government and Pentecostal churches’ conjoined efforts to bolster support for the coup by focusing on a specific mode of governance: the mapping and moralizing of space. In this case, church and state were unified in both their description of Honduras as a single, bounded entity and their division of other Latin American nations into the categories of friend or enemy. Yet, church and state did not align in their temporalities, ultimate aims, and the agents they depicted as active in the political struggles after the coup. Nevertheless, rather than fragmenting the pro‐coup movement, this combination of overlap and divergence strengthened this mode of governance and brought together a broad coalition in favor of the coup. [state, Christianity, governance, geography, secular, Honduras]