bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fingolimod ameliorates acetic acid‐induced ulcerative colitis: An insight into its modulatory impact on pro/anti‐inflammatory cytokines and AKT/mTOR signalling
Authors: Makled Mirhan N. , Serrya Marwa S. , El‐Sheakh Ahmed R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBecause of the approved immunomodulatory activities of fingolimod, the current study aimed at studying the curative potential of fingolimod against experimentally induced ulcerative colitis (UC) via modulating pro/anti‐inflammatory cytokines release and AKT/mTOR signalling.MethodsUC was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of acetic acid. Fingo (0.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given for 8 consecutive days that started 48 h after UC induction.ResultsFingolimod increased body weight growth rate and colon body/weight and colon weight/length indices compared to the UC group. Fingolimod significantly decreased clinical evaluation score and macroscopic score compared to the UC group. The curative potential of fingolimod was further confirmed by histopathological examination revealing marked attenuation of mucosal injury and inflammatory cells infiltration. Fingolimod significantly decreased colon malondialdehyde content and increased colon glutathione contents compared to the UC group. Fingolimod also significantly decreased the expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐9 and T‐helper 17 along with increasing the expression of anti‐inflammatory interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β compared to the UC group. In addition, fingolimod decreased the expressions of AKT and mTOR compared to the UC group.ConclusionFingolimod attenuated acetic acid‐induced UC through its immunomodulatory effect by shifting the balance to favour anti‐inflammatory cytokine production rather than pro‐inflammatory cytokines and modulating the AKT/mTOR signalling.
Preterm and low birthweight birth in the United States: Black midwives speak of causality, prevention, and healing
Authors: Bridgeman‐Bunyoli Arika M. , Cheyney Melissa , Monroe Shafia M. , Wiggins Noelle , Vedam Saraswathi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundLow birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) are more common among Black infants than white infants in the United States. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain elevated rates of PTB and LBW, the perspectives of Black midwives who serve Black communities are largely missing from the literature.MethodsUsing semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with a purposive sample of midwives (n = 29), we elicited midwives' perceptions of PTB and LBW causation, as well as insights on culturally congruent strategies for prevention. We used consensus coding and reciprocal ethnography to increase the rigor of our analyses.ResultsMidwives identified three intersecting and predisposing root causes: (1) systemic racism; (2) the epigenetic legacy of enslavement; and (3) ongoing cultural loss. In response to these stressors, midwives recommended variants of two additional themes—(4) community building; and (5) culturally centered care—as essential to reversing mortality trends among Black babies.DiscussionMidwives' perspectives, which are supported by relevant literature, provide critical insights that should inform both research and policy aimed at promoting birth justice in the United States and beyond.
An exchange orientation results in an instrumental approach in intimate relationships
Authors: Wang Xijing , Chen Hao , Chen Zhansheng , Luo Shanhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAlthough the possession of instrumentality (i.e., partner B being useful to partner A’s goal pursuit) can facilitate relationship satisfaction, taking an instrumental approach (i.e., A focusing on B’s usefulness and seeing B as a tool to facilitate personal goal attainment) is (often) considered as a callous and depersonalized approach to forming relationships. The current research examined whether adopting an exchange orientation amplifies the tendency for people to take an instrumental approach via the motive to maximize self‐gain. Four studies (N = 1446) utilizing samples across different countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and China, supported this hypothesis. Specifically, during relationship initiation, an exchange (vs. non‐exchange) orientation made participants place higher importance on instrumentality rather than traits facilitating intimacy and bonding (Study 1). For established relationships, participants who chronically adopted an exchange orientation (Study 2) and who were temporarily induced to do so (vs. control; Study 3) were more likely to view their significant other as a tool. The final quasi‐experiment (Study 4) showed that requiring or being required to offer a bride price – an embodiment of exchange orientation – predicted instrumentality in marriage and subsequently impaired relationship satisfaction. Implications are discussed.
Primary school reopenings and parental work
Authors: Beauregard Pierre‐Loup , Connolly Marie , Haeck Catherine , Molnár Tímea Laura 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we exploit the geographical pattern of primary school reopenings during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Canada to estimate the impact of school reopenings on parental employment and work hours. We use a triple‐difference approach, in which we first compare parents of primary‐school children in regions where schools reopened to similar parents in regions where schools remained closed and add parents of older, secondary‐school children as an additional control group. We estimate the impact of school reopenings separately for mothers and fathers, and for single parents and parents living in dual‐parent households. We find a positive impact of school reopenings on employment and on actual hours worked. The effects tend to be stronger for single mothers, but are also present for mothers and fathers in dual‐parent households in the spring of 2020. Overall, single mothers experienced an 18 percentage point increase in their employment at work rate following school reopenings. We also split our sample according to whether the job can be done from home, and find stronger impacts for those whose jobs cannot easily be done from home.
Present bias and externalities: Can government intervention raise welfare?
Authors: Kotsogiannis Christos , Schwager Robert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractQuasi‐hyperbolic discounted preferences imply that consumers overemphasize immediate current rewards and overlook future ones (they have a “bias for the present”). Within this context the literature has emphasized that the misalignment between immediate and future rewards can be rectified by government policy. Importantly, it has also been shown that intervention by a government that shares the same biased intertemporal preferences with consumers does not deliver welfare improvements. Focusing on the latter, this paper identifies conditions under which, in the presence of quasi‐hyperbolic preferences and a market imperfection (which takes the form of a negative externality), intervention by a present‐biased government is welfare enhancing. This is the case if the market imperfection is sufficiently strong or the consumers' bias for the present is weak.
Postradioiodine Graves' management: The PRAGMA study
Authors: Perros Petros , Basu Ansu , Boelaert Kristien , Dayan Colin , Vaidya Bijay , Williams Graham R. , Lazarus John H. , Hickey Janis , Drake William M. , Crown Anna , Orme Stephen M. , Johnson Andrew , Ray David W. , Leese Graham P. , Jones Thomas Hugh , Abraham Prakash , Grossman Ashley , Rees Aled , Razvi Salman , Gibb Fraser W. , Moran Carla , Madathil Asgar , Žarković Miloš P. , Plummer Zoe , Jarvis Sheba , Falinska Agnieszka , Velusamy Anand , Sanderson Violet , Pariani Nadia , Atkin Stephen L. , Syed Akheel A. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Nag Sath , Gilbert Jackie , Gleeson Helena , Levy Miles J. , Johnston Colin , Sturrock Nigel , Bennett Stuart , Mishra Biswa , Malik Isha , Karavitaki Niki 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThyroid status in the months following radioiodine (RI) treatment for Graves' disease can be unstable. Our objective was to quantify frequency of abnormal thyroid function post‐RI and compare effectiveness of common management strategies.DesignRetrospective, multicentre and observational study.PatientsAdult patients with Graves' disease treated with RI with 12 months' follow‐up.MeasurementsEuthyroidism was defined as both serum thyrotropin (thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) and free thyroxine (FT4) within their reference ranges or, when only one was available, it was within its reference range; hypothyroidism as TSH ≥ 10 mU/L, or subnormal FT4 regardless of TSH; hyperthyroidism as TSH below and FT4 above their reference ranges; dysthyroidism as the sum of hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism; subclinical hypothyroidism as normal FT4 and TSH between the upper limit of normal and <10 mU/L; and subclinical hyperthyroidism as low TSH and normal FT4.ResultsOf 812 patients studied post‐RI, hypothyroidism occurred in 80.7% and hyperthyroidism in 48.6% of patients. Three principal post‐RI management strategies were employed: (a) antithyroid drugs alone, (b) levothyroxine alone, and (c) combination of the two. Differences among these were small. Adherence to national guidelines regarding monitoring thyroid function in the first 6 months was low (21.4%–28.7%). No negative outcomes (new‐onset/exacerbation of Graves' orbitopathy, weight gain, and cardiovascular events) were associated with dysthyroidism. There were significant differences in demographics, clinical practice, and thyroid status postradioiodine between centres.ConclusionsDysthyroidism in the 12 months post‐RI was common. Differences between post‐RI strategies were small, suggesting these interventions alone are unlikely to address the high frequency of dysthyroidism.
Audit of long‐term treatment outcomes of thyrotoxicosis in a single‐centre virtual clinic: The utility of long‐term antithyroid drugs
Authors: Levy Miles J. , Reddy Narendra , Price David , Bhake Ragini , Bremner Emma , Barrowcliffe Mary , Kieffer Veronica , Robinson Carole , Zaccardi Francesco , Howlett Trevor A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the long‐term outcomes and prognosis of thyrotoxicosis in a large number of patients in a single UK county (Leicestershire).DesignRetrospective cohort analysis of 56,741 thyroid function test (TFT) results, treatment modalities and outcomes in a well‐established virtual thyrotoxicosis clinic database.PatientsOne thousand four hundred and eighty‐nine patients were included with a median length of follow‐up of 10.9 years. The aetiology of thyrotoxicosis was autoimmune (85.9%), nodular (9.1%) and mixed (5.0%). Treatment modalities included antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioiodine (RAI; 555 MBq fixed dose) and thyroidectomy.MethodsWe analysed both individual TFTs and groups of sequential TFTs on or after the same thyroid treatment(s), which we describe as 'phase of thyroid care' (POTC). Patients studied entered the virtual clinic between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2010; we exported data on every TFT sample up to April 2020.ResultsATD had been used in 99.2% (median 2, maximum seven courses) with long‐term ATD (>2 years) in 48%. RAI and thyroidectomy were used more commonly with nodular and mixed aetiology. Overall, T4 was more often controlled than thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and at the latest follow‐up, T4 was normal in >96%, TSH in >79% and both in >76% of different aetiologies. The mean percentage control of T4 was 85% and TSH 50%; in long‐term ATD courses, this improved to 89% and 62%, respectively. In the latest POTC, control of T4 and TSH was best in cases off treatment (95%/87%) and on T4 without ablative therapy (94%/72%), but was broadly similar in patients on long‐term ATD (90%/68%), after RAI (92%/60%) or after thyroidectomy (91%/58%). After the first course of ATD, remission or hypothyroidism was seen in 47.3% autoimmune, 20.9% nodular and 32.5% mixed, with 90% relapses seen within 4 years. Relapse was more common in patients with ophthalmopathy, but there was no difference between the sexes.ConclusionsThyrotoxicosis can be well controlled with minimal specialist clinic attendance using a software‐supported virtual shared‐care scheme. Long‐term ATD appears to be a valid patient choice achieving TFT control comparable to that seen after RAI or surgery. In patients with autoimmune disease, relapse is more common in patients with ophthalmopathy, and hypothyroidism is common after RAI. In nodular disease, we found that spontaneous remission may occur.
Genome‐scale screening in a rat haploid system identifies Thop1 as a modulator of pluripotency exit
Authors: Xu Mei , Zhao Yiding , Zhang Wenhao , Geng Mengyang , Liu Qian , Gao Qian , Shuai Ling 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe rats are crucial animal models for the basic medical researches. Rat embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which are widely studied, can self‐renew and exhibit pluripotency in long‐term culture, but the mechanism underlying how they exit pluripotency remains obscure. To investigate the key modulators on pluripotency exiting in rat ESCs, we perform genome‐wide screening using a unique rat haploid system.Materials and MethodsRat haploid ESCs (haESCs) enable advances in the discovery of unknown functional genes owing to their homozygous and pluripotent characteristics. REX1 is a sensitive marker for the naïve pluripotency that is often utilized to monitor pluripotency exit, thus rat haESCs carrying a Rex1‐GFP reporter are used for genetic screening. Genome‐wide mutations are introduced into the genomes of rat Rex1‐GFP haESCs via piggyBac transposon, and differentiation‐retarded mutants are obtained after random differentiation selection. The exact mutations are elucidated by high‐throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The role of candidate mutation is validated in rat ESCs by knockout and overexpression experiments, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) is determined by western blotting.ResultsHigh‐throughput sequencing analysis reveals numerous insertions related to various pathways affecting random differentiation. Thereafter, deletion of Thop1 (one candidate gene in the screened list) arrests the differentiation of rat ESCs by inhibiting the p‐ERK1/2, whereas overexpression of Thop1 promotes rat ESCs to exit from pluripotency.ConclusionsOur findings provide an ideal tool to study functional genomics in rats: a homozygous haploid system carrying a pluripotency reporter that facilitates robust discovery of the mechanisms involved in the self‐renewal or pluripotency of rat ESCs.
Conservation status, threats, and information needs of small mammals in Alaska
Authors: Droghini Amanda , Christie Katherine S. , Kelty Rachel R. , Schuette Paul A. , Gotthardt Tracey 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSmall mammals are under‐represented in conservation research relative to other mammals. We assessed the conservation status of 36 small mammal species in Alaska, USA using the Alaska Species Ranking System (ASRS). We also surveyed taxonomic experts to identify threats, conservation actions, and research priorities for five small mammal species of high conservation priority. The ASRS evaluates species' population status, biological vulnerability, and information needs. According to this ranking system, 86% (n = 31) of species were of moderately high conservation priority. Species of highest priority included three species endemic to Alaska and four bats (Order Chiroptera). Most species (n = 24) had low biological vulnerabilities, but high information needs. Taxonomic experts identified direct and indirect climate change effects as important threats for three of the five species assessed. They listed population monitoring, habitat modeling, genetic diversity, and response to climate change as high priorities for future research. Agencies can use the ASRS with expert elicitation to set priorities for research and monitoring. For example, we highlight the need to monitor population trends, which were unknown or uncertain for all species. Finally, we underscore the importance of accounting for data deficiencies to avoid conflating sparse information with low conservation priority.
In December days are shorter but loans are cheaper
Authors: Bertrand Jérémie , Weill Laurent 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study analyzes the month‐of‐the‐year effect on lending decisions. Using data from a large US peer‐to‐peer lender, we perform regressions of loan acceptance and loan rate on month dummy variables. We find evidence of a month‐of‐the‐year effect on loan acceptance and loan pricing. December is the best month to ask for a loan, with the highest chance of acceptance and the lowest rate. We test the potential explanations of the calendar anomalies and find some support for trade loading, such that granted loans might be inflated at the end of the quarter to hit quarterly targets.
Prevalence of sequelae after traumatic dental injuries to anterior primary teeth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moccelini Bárbara Suelen , Santos Pablo Silveira , Barasuol Jéssica Copetti , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Bolan Michele , Maia Lucianne Cople , Cardoso Mariane 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground/AimClinical and radiographic sequelae are common following traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of such sequelae.Materials and MethodsSearches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and BBO/LILACS databases as well as the gray literature. The outcome of interest was the prevalence of the most common sequelae following traumatic dental injuries to anterior primary teeth. Observational studies that evaluated such sequelae were included. Data were extracted, and methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. The number of sequelae per tooth and the total number of teeth evaluated in each study were considered to calculate pooled prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of the evidence was determined using the GRADE approach.ResultsTwenty‐five articles were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The prevalence of each complication in descending order was as follows: 39.7% crown discoloration (95% CI: 29.52–50.32), 24.3% pulp necrosis with infection (95% CI: 17.34–32.06), 16.2% periapical radiolucency (95% CI: 8.88–25.49), 15.9% premature tooth loss (95% CI: 9.93–23.15), 14.8% pulp canal obliteration (95% CI: 8.46–22.73), 11.9% pathological root resorption (95% CI: 7.68–16.98), 7.1% abscess/fistula (95% CI: 4.4–10.6), and 1.8% ankylosis (95% CI: 0.82–3.17). The certainty of the evidence was very low.ConclusionsCrown discoloration was the most common sequela in injured primary teeth, but this should be interpreted with caution due to the very low certainty of the evidence. Considerable variation was found in the prevalence of each sequela.
Primary radiation therapy in stage I/II indolent orbital lymphoma – a comprehensive retrospective recurrence and toxicity analysis
Authors: Eze Chukwuka , Friedrich Isabelle , Hadi Indrawati , Schmidt‐Hegemann Nina‐Sophie , Hartoyo Sarah Nindya , Trauth Richard , Reitz Daniel , Manapov Farkhad , Siefert Axel , Dreyling Martin , Belka Claus , Li Minglun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurpose or ObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive recurrence and toxicity analysis of patients treated with radiotherapy alone for stage I/II (Ann‐Arbor classification) indolent orbital lymphoma.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 46 patients (and 51 orbits) treated at our centre with radiotherapy between 1995 and 2012 for biopsy‐proven stage I/IIE primary orbital lymphomas. We evaluated treatment response and performed a comprehensive toxicity analysis with correlation to delivered radiation dose.ResultsAt diagnosis, the median age was 63.5 years (range: 20–92). At initial diagnosis 43 and 3 patients had unilateral, synchronous bilateral involvement while there were 2 cases of contralateral metachronous failure. The predominant histological subtype was extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue in 42 (91.3%), follicular in 1 (2.2%), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in 1 (2.2%) and other indolent histology in 2 (4.3%) patients. Most lymphomas were located in the conjunctiva (18/35.3%) or eyelids (18/35.3%). Thirty‐eight (82.6%) patients presented with stage I while 8/46 (17.4%) with stage II disease. The median radiation dose was 39.6 Gy (range: 21.6–48.6 Gy) delivered in 1.8–2 Gy single fractions.At a median follow‐up of 83 months (range: 7–258 months), the complete remission rate was 98%. A local relapse was observed in 2/51 (3.9%) orbits and 4/46 (8.7%) patients had systemic relapse. The 5‐ and 10‐year PFS rates were 79.2% (95% CI: 73.0%–85.4%) and 67.6% (95% CI: 59.4%–75.8%); 5‐ and 10‐year OS was 83.6% (95% CI: 77.9%–89.3%) and 76.5% (95% CI: 69.4%–83.6%), respectively. In total, 66 acute toxicity events (all‐grade) were observed: 5/51 (9.8%) ≥G2 acute conjunctivitis, 2/51 (3.9%) cases of G2 acute keratitis, 1/51 (2%) cases of ≥G2 ophthalmagia and 12/51 (23.5%) cases of ≥G2 xerophthalmia. Furthermore, 45 chronic adverse events were observed in 34/51 (66.7%) irradiated orbits with 30 late adverse events attributed to cataract.ConclusionOur analysis confirms the role of radiotherapy alone at lower doses in the treatment of indolent orbital lymphomas. Further research is required to assess the efficacy of ultra‐low‐dose radiotherapy and anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies to further mitigate long‐term sequelae.
Corticospinal excitability and somatosensory information processing of the lower limb muscle during upper limb voluntary or electrically induced muscle contractions
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Kaneko Naotsugu , Sasaki Atsushi , Endo Nozomi , Yuasa Akiko , Milosevic Matija , Watanabe Katsumi , Nakazawa Kimitaka 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNeural interactions between upper and lower limbs underlie motor coordination in humans. Specifically, upper limb voluntary muscle contraction can facilitate spinal and corticospinal excitability of the lower limb muscles. However, little remains known on the involvement of somatosensory information in arm‐leg neural interactions. Here, we investigated effects of voluntary and electrically induced wrist flexion on corticospinal excitability and somatosensory information processing of the lower limbs. In Experiment 1, we measured transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐evoked motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the resting soleus (SOL) muscle at rest or during voluntary or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)‐induced wrist flexion. The wrist flexion force was matched to 10% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). We found that SOL MEPs were significantly increased during voluntary, but not NMES‐induced, wrist flexion, compared to the rest (P < .001). In Experiment 2, we examined somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) following tibial nerve stimulation under the same conditions. The results showed that SEPs were unchanged during both voluntary and NMES‐induced wrist flexion. In Experiment 3, we examined the modulation of SEPs during 10%, 20% and 30% MVC voluntary wrist flexion. During 30% MVC voluntary wrist flexion, P50‐N70 SEP component was significantly attenuated compared to the rest (P = .003). Our results propose that the somatosensory information generated by NMES‐induced upper limb muscle contractions may have a limited effect on corticospinal excitability and somatosensory information processing of the lower limbs. However, voluntary wrist flexion modulated corticospinal excitability and somatosensory information processing of the lower limbs via motor areas.