bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily surveillance of falls is feasible and reveals a high incidence of falls among older adults
Authors: Antcliff Susan R. , Witchalls Jeremy B. , Wallwork Sarah B. , Welvaert Marijke , Waddington Gordon S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo ensure accurate data capture for a fall study through a system of daily contact with participants.MethodsFifty‐eight adults older than 60 years of age and living independently in the community in Canberra, Australia, were recruited for a prospective fall study. We adopted a system of daily contact with study participants for at least 12 months, either by email or by text, asking whether they had suffered a fall in the previous 24 h. At the final testing session, we asked participants whether they had experienced a fall during the previous twelve months.ResultsWe found no evidence that the daily reporting regime led to excess participant attrition. Only three participants withdrew over the course of the study, and the burden of responding was not cited as a factor in any of these cases. Of the 55 participants who completed the full twelve‐month study period, 38 (69%) experienced at least one fall. We also identified inconsistencies between recall of falls occurring during the last twelve months of the study and the contemporaneously recorded data.ConclusionsPrevious studies have found that increasing the reporting demands on fall study participants will lead to higher attrition. This study demonstrates that it is possible to maintain participant engagement and minimise attrition with appropriate design of reporting procedures. We confirm existing evidence regarding the unreliability of retrospective recall of falls. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive and accurate data capture and points to the possibility of under‐reporting of fall incidence.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nicotine, and associations with sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Axelsson Jonatan , Lindh Christian H. , Giwercman Aleksander 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTobacco smoking has been reported to cause DNA fragmentation and has been suggested to cause mutations in spermatozoa. These effects have been ascribed to the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in the smoke. Simultaneously, DNA fragmentation has been associated with mutagenesis.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of urinary biomarkers of PAH and nicotine exposure were associated with sperm DNA fragmentation.MethodsIn the urine of 381 men recruited from two cohorts of young men (17–21 years old) from the general Swedish population, the PAH metabolites 1‐hydroxypyrene and 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene, as well as the nicotine metabolite cotinine, were measured. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed using the sperm chromatin structure assay. Associations between the DFI, and PAH metabolite levels as continuous variables as well as in quartiles, were studied by general linear models adjusted for abstinence time. A similar analysis was carried out for cotinine levels, according to which the men were categorised as “non‐smoking” (n = 216) and “smoking” (n = 165).ResultsNo association was found between levels of any of the three biomarkers and DFI, either as a continuous variable (p = 0.87–0.99), or when comparing the lowest and the highest quartiles (p = 0.11–0.61). The same was true for comparison of men categorised as non‐smoking or smoking (DFI 11.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.31).DiscussionWe found no evidence of PAH or nicotine exposure to be associated with DFI, which does not exclude that these exposures may have other effects on sperm DNA.ConclusionIn these young men, levels of biomarkers of nicotine and PAH exposure were not associated with DFI.
Dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate erectile function in a rat model of nonorganic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Chen Guotao , Yu Deshui , Wu Yunhong , Dong Jian , Hu Lei , Feng Ninghan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe central molecular mechanisms of nonorganic erectile dysfunction remains unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens of male rats with nonorganic erectile dysfunction.Materials/methodsNonorganic erectile dysfunction was induced by chronic mild stress. The sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test were carried out to select depression‐like rats with erectile dysfunction. These rats were considered as nonorganic erectile dysfunction model rats. Dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist/antagonist was infused into the nucleus accumbens to observe the effect on sexual behavior. Dopaminergic projections to the nucleus accumbens were labeled with both the retrograde tracer FluoroGold injected into the nucleus accumbens and tyrosine hydroxylase. The expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens in the ventral tegmental area was measured. The expression levels of dopamine D1/D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens were also measured.ResultsNonorganic erectile dysfunction was proved by the sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test in model rats. After central infusion of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist into the nucleus accumbens, the recovery of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation were indicated by increased intromission ratio and decreased mount latency. Decreased expression levels of dopamine D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens and decreased expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens were observed in model rats.DiscussionThese results suggest the impairment of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens and dopamine D2 signaling in the nucleus accumbens, causing the suppression of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation.ConclusionThese results suggest that the impaired dopamine D2 receptor pathway in the nucleus accumbens may be one of the main pathway involved in the development of nonorganic erectile dysfunction in the present model.
Outcome of subsequent pregnancies in women with complete uterine rupture: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Thisted Dorthe Louise Ahrenkiel , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Krebs Lone 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn the attempt of a trial of labor after a cesarean section approximately one in 200 women experience a complete uterine rupture. As a complete uterine rupture is associated with an adverse perinatal outcome, data regarding subsequent pregnancies are needed to provide proper care and guidance to women with a complete uterine rupture when informing them of future possibilities. The objective of this study was to investigate the fetal and maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies after a complete uterine rupture.Material and MethodsRetrospective population‐based case–control study. Denmark 1997–2017. A total of 175 women with complete uterine rupture during an attempted trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) at term (cases) and a corresponding group of 272 women with no uterine rupture during an attempted TOLAC at term (controls) were labeled as index deliveries. Index deliveries were included from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2008. From the date of the index delivery to December 31, 2017 the information on subsequent pregnancies and deliveries, and on referral to hospital with any obstetric or gynecological diagnosis were retrieved from the Danish Medical Birth Registry and National Patient Registry. Main outcome measures were miscarriage, perinatal death, neonatal morbidity, preterm birth, and recurrence of uterine rupture. Outcome measures were compared between cases and controls.ResultsAfter the index deliveries; there were 109 pregnancies and 70 deliveries after gestational age 22+0 weeks in the population of cases. In the population of controls, there were 183 pregnancies and 126 deliveries after 22+0 weeks. Cases had a significantly higher risk of miscarriage (odds ratio [OR] 3.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–13.17). The incidence of uterine rupture was 8.6% among cases and 0.8% among controls (OR 11.7; 95% CI 1.36–543.1). Among cases, 98.6% had live‐born infants, and none of these had severe neonatal morbidity. No significant association was found between previous complete uterine rupture and preterm delivery, placenta previa, hysterectomy in relation to subsequent births, diagnosis such as meno/metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, or procedures such as hysteroscopy or hysterectomy.ConclusionsIn pregnancies following complete uterine rupture continuing after 22+0 weeks, maternal and fetal outcomes are good when managed promptly with cesarean delivery.
Changes in ocular blood flow and retinal oxygen metabolism during immunosuppressive therapy for initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , AlBloushi Abdulrahman F. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Alzubaidi Abdullah , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between visual acuity, blood flow velocity in the choroid and optic nerve head (ONH) and oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels during immunosuppressive therapy in patients with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.MethodsIn this prospective study, 20 patients were studied. Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and retinal oximetry measurements were performed at baseline and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment.ResultsAfter immunosuppressive therapy, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly at each post‐treatment time‐point compared with baseline value. Mean blur rate (MBR), representing blood flow velocity, in the choroid and ONH (overall and vessel areas) significantly increased. On the contrary, oxygen saturation of retinal arterioles and venules and calibre of retinal venules significantly decreased. There were significant negative correlations between ONH MBR vessel and arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference at baseline and at 4 weeks after treatment and between MBR tissue of the ONH and arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference at week 12 after treatment.ConclusionsImmunosuppressive therapy in patients with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease is associated with improved blood flow velocity in choroid and ONH and normalization of retinal oxygen metabolism and calibre of retinal venules. These correspond with improved visual acuity. These findings help explain the pathophysiology of VKH disease and its treatment and may provide biomarkers for choroiditis activity and response to treatment.
Mast cells in goldfish (Carassius auratus) gut: Immunohistochemical characterization
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Pergolizzi Simona , Fumia Angelo , Calabrò Concetta , Lo Cascio Patrizia , Lauriano Eugenia Rita 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe common goldfish is the most widespread teleosts in the world. Due to its peculiar characteristics, such as the high resistance, easy availability and stabulation, and for its evolutionary characteristics, this fish lends itself to be one of the most used experimental models. This study aimed to characterize the mast cells in the intestine of Carassius auratus using anti‐TLR‐2, anti‐S100, anti‐VIP, anti‐serotonin (5‐HT) and anti‐Piscidin antibodies. The intestine of goldfish, like that of all vertebrates, plays an important role in the immunology of the animal. The gut‐associated lymphoid tissue GALT is an immune component containing several specific cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells. In addition, the presence of goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium strengthens the defence system, secreting many cytokines and chemokines and displaying antibacterial properties. Our results show mast cells labelled with antibodies that are highly conserved between fish and mammals, demonstrating an active role of these cells in the immune response.
A Time-Heterogeneous D-Vine Copula Model for Unbalanced and Unequally Spaced Longitudinal Data
Authors: Hoque Md Erfanul , Acar Elif F. , Torabi Mahmoud 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In many longitudinal studies, the number and timing of measurements differ across study subjects. Statistical analysis of such data requires accounting for both the unbalanced study design and the unequal spacing of repeated measurements. This paper proposes a time-heterogeneous D-vine copula model that allows for time adjustment in the dependence structure of unequally spaced and potentially unbalanced longitudinal data. The proposed approach not only offers flexibility over its time-homogeneous counterparts but also allows for parsimonious model specifications at the tree or vine level for a given D-vine structure. It further provides a robust strategy to specify the joint distribution of non-Gaussian longitudinal data. The performance of the time-heterogeneous D-vine copula models are evaluated through simulation studies and by a real data application. Our findings suggest improved predictive performance of the proposed approach over the linear mixed-effects model and time-homogeneous D-vine copula model.
US Fiscal policy during and after the coronavirus
Authors: Gomme Paul 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCOVID‐related government outlays will increase the level of government debt. A macroeconomic model, calibrated to the US, quantitatively assesses potential responses to this higher debt. In terms of economic welfare, reducing debt through capital incomes tax hikes is the least desirable option considered: the associated tax base is small, and anticipating such a tax increase reduces capital accumulation. There is little to choose between fiscal austerity through government spending cuts versus raising labour income tax rates. Accommodating higher government debt is welfare‐improving but still requires substantial fiscal austerity owing to higher debt servicing costs.
Dysphagia screening and pneumonia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: Findings from the Chinese stroke center alliance
Authors: Wu Mei‐Ru , Chen Yi‐Tong , Li Zi‐Xiao , Gu Hong‐Qiu , Yang Kai‐Xuan , Xiong Yun‐Yun , Wang Yong‐Jun , Wang Chun‐Juan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeDysphagia is common and is associated with aspiration pneumonia. However, little is known about the prevalence of and factors influencing dysphagia screening (DS) and pneumonia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).MethodsWe used data on SAH patients admitted to 1476 hospitals from the China Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) from August 2015 to July 2019 to analyze the rates of DS and pneumonia. We then conducted univariate and multivariable analyses to examine the relationship between DS and pneumonia.ResultsAmong 4877 SAH patients who were eligible for DS and had complete data on pneumonia status, 3527 (72.3%) underwent DS, and 1006 (20.6%) developed pneumonia. Compared with patients without pneumonia, patients with pneumonia were older (mean: 63.4 vs. 57.8 years of age), had lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at admission (mean: 13.5 vs. 14.3), were more likely to have dysphagia (15.2% vs. 3.3%), and were more likely to have undergone aneurysm isolation (19.1% vs. 10.0%). In multivariable analyses, factors independently associated with a higher risk of pneumonia were dysphagia [odds ratio (OR), 3.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.85–4.98], age (OR, 1.50 per 10‐year increase; 95% CI, 1.40–1.60), male sex (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.49), arrival at the hospital by emergency medical services (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16–1.58), nimodipine treatment (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.11–1.81), endovascular embolization of aneurysms (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03–1.47), cerebral ventricular shunt placement (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.41–3.54), and treatment at a higher grade hospital (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.21–1.71).ConclusionMore than a quarter of patients with SAH did not have documented DS, while one‐fifth developed pneumonia. DS performance was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia. Randomized controlled trials may be needed to determine the effectiveness of DS.
Living with wolves: Lessons learned from Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Alambeigi Amir , López‐Bao José Vicente , Taghavi Lobat , Kaboli Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGiven the complex and dynamic interrelationships of the underlying factors contributing to conflicts associated with wolf presence and persistence in human‐dominated landscapes, it is often difficult to clearly identify the ultimate causes of these conflicts. In this study, a system dynamics modeling approach was adopted to simulate human–wolf conflicts in an area with the greatest number of recently fatal wolf attacks on humans in Iran. Data used to build the model were obtained from questionnaire surveys and satellite tracking of wolves. We simulated changes in ecological and social factors that may influence conflicts under different assumptions. Our findings indicate that, in this context, the proximity of wolves to human settlements is one of the determining factors leading to increased wolf attacks on humans and livestock. When the distance between wolf territories and human settlements increases, the likelihood of both wolf incidents and retaliatory killings are expected to decrease. Effective communication of information regarding wolves across local communities is expected to result in a positive shift in attitudes toward the species, as well as a decrease in fear, which in turn will affect the rate of conflicts. Improper disposal of carcasses of domestic animals by the locals, dumping of waste in open dumpsites close to villages, and leaving children unattended on agricultural fields are expected to increase the recurrence of conflicts. We strongly urge Hamadan provincial office of environment and nongovernmental organizations to initiate communication programs to raise awareness on the human–wolf conflict and its mitigation. This includes how to properly handle livestock carcasses at safe distances from human settlements. Furthermore, design and construction of sanitary landfills in the vicinity of each village, as well as providing education on how to properly use these sites could help reduce risky conflicts.
Estimation of brain receptor occupancy for trazodone immediate release and once a day formulations
Authors: Oggianu Laura , Di Dato Giorgio , Mangano Giorgina , Rosignoli Maria Teresa , McFeely Savannah , Ke Alice Ban , Jones Hannah M. , Comandini Alessandro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTrazodone is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorders, marketed as immediate release (IR), prolonged release, and once a day (OAD) formulation. The different formulations allow different administration schedules and may be useful to facilitate patients’ compliance to the antidepressant treatment. A previously verified physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model based on in vitro and in vivo information on trazodone pharmacokinetics was applied, aiming at predicting brain receptor occupancy (RO) after single and repeated dosing of the IR formulation and repeated dosing of the OAD formulation in healthy subjects. Receptors included in the simulations were selected using static calculations of RO based on the maximum unbound brain concentration (Cmax,brain,u) of trazodone for each formulation and dosing scheme, resulting in 16 receptors being simulated. Seven receptors were simulated for the IR low dose formulation (30 mg), with similar tonset and duration of coverage (range: 0.09–0.25 h and 2.1–>24 h, respectively) as well as RO (range: 0.64–0.92) predicted between day 1 and day 7 of dosing. The 16 receptors evaluated for the OAD formulation (300 mg) showed high RO (range: 0.97–0.84 for the receptors also covered by the IR formulation and 0.73–0.48 for the remaining) correlating with affinity and similar duration of time above the target threshold to the IR formulation (range: 2–>24 h). The dose‐dependent receptor coverage supports the multimodal activity of trazodone, which may further contribute to its fast antidepressant action and effectiveness in controlling different symptoms in depressed patients.
Inhibitory inputs to an inhibitory interneuron: Spontaneous postsynaptic currents and GABAA receptors of A17 amacrine cells in the rat retina
Authors: Beltrán‐Matas Pablo , Castilho Áurea , Tencer Barbora , Veruki Margaret L. , Hartveit Espen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAmacrine cells constitute a large and heterogeneous group of inhibitory interneurons in the retina. The A17 amacrine plays an important role for visual signalling in the rod pathway microcircuit of the mammalian retina. It receives excitatory input from rod bipolar cells and provides feedback inhibition to the same cells. However, from ultrastructural investigations, there is evidence for input to A17s from other types of amacrine cells, presumably inhibitory, but there is a lack of information about the identity and functional properties of the synaptic receptors and how inhibition contributes to the integrative properties of A17s. Here, we studied the biophysical and pharmacological properties of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (spIPSCs) and GABAA receptors of A17 amacrines using whole‐cell and outside‐out patch recordings from rat retinal slices. The spIPSCs displayed fast onsets (10%–90% rise time ~740 μs) and double‐exponential decays (τfast ~4.5 ms [43% of amplitude]; τslow ~22 ms). Ultra‐fast application of brief pulses of GABA (3 mM) to patches evoked responses with deactivation kinetics best fitted by a triple‐exponential function (τ1 ~5.3 ms [55% of amplitude]; τ2 ~48 ms [32% of amplitude]; τ3 ~187 ms). Non‐stationary noise analysis of spIPSCs and patch responses yielded single‐channel conductances of ~21 and ~25 pS, respectively. Pharmacological analysis suggested that the spIPSCs are mediated by receptors with an α1βγ2 subunit composition and the somatic receptors have an α2βγ2 and/or α3βγ2 composition. These results demonstrate the presence of synaptic GABAA receptors on A17s, which may play an important role in signal integration in these cells.
Do small firms fare better without a professional human resource manager?
Authors: Wang Wen , Seifert Roger , Theodorakopoulos Nicholas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe examine the direct and indirect effects of human resource (HR) informality—that is, not having a professional HR manager in post—on employee outcomes in growth‐oriented small firms. Drawing from literature of principal–agent relationship and trust, we theorise a moderated‐mediating model between HR informality and unfavourable employee outcomes through owner‐manager's distrust during firm growth. Based on matched employer–employee data from 543 small firms and their 4853 employees in the United Kingdom, the empirical results show a positive and significant association between HR informality and owner‐managers' distrust of staff, especially in multiple‐site (often a manifestation of growth‐oriented) small firms. Through this path, HR informality has a significant and adverse indirect effect on firm recorded staff voluntary turnover, absenteeism, number of dismissals and staff perceived collective trust in management, which counteracts its weak positive direct effect, thus leads to an overall negative impact. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.