bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis by genomics-driven integrative approaches
Authors: Zhang Jie , Fang Xinyu , Wu Jingwei , Zhang Zixing , Mu Min , Ye Dongqing
Published: March 2024

Genomics-driven drug discovery framework holds promise in developing novel therapeutic targets. Here, we leveraged large-scale genomic data including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), rare variant burden tests in exome sequencing studies (Exome), and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL), to prioritize potential therapeutic targets and identify opportunities for drug repositioning in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found that prioritized genes covering two approved RA treatment targets (IL6R and CD86), and five targets tested in clinical trials for RA. Eighteen proteins were identified as having causalities with RA risk, three out of them showed strong support for colocalization. Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) was nominated as one of the most promising candidates for clinical translation as its wide expression in joint synovial tissues and validation in observational analyses associating with RA incidence. Collectively, our systematic screening of candidate drug targets from different genetically informed approaches, and provided a comprehensive insight into therapeutic strategies for RA.
Genomic Insights for Personalized Care: Motivating At-Risk Individuals Toward Evidence-Based Health Practices
Authors: Chen Tony , Pham Giang , Fox Louis , Adler Nina , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Jingning , Byun Jinyoung , Han Younghun , Saunders Gretchen R.B. , Liu Dajiang , Bray Michael J. , Ramsey Alex T. , McKay James , Bierut Laura , Amos Christopher I. , Hung Rayjean J. , Lin Xihong , Zhang Haoyu , Chen Li-Shiun
Published: March 2024

Background

Lung cancer and tobacco use pose significant global health challenges, necessitating a comprehensive translational roadmap for improved prevention strategies. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are powerful tools for patient risk stratification but have not yet been widely used in primary care for lung cancer, particularly in diverse patient populations.

Methods

We propose the GREAT care paradigm, which employs PRSs to stratify disease risk and personalize interventions. We developed PRSs using large-scale multi-ancestry genome-wide association studies and standardized PRS distributions across all ancestries. We applied our PRSs to 796 individuals from the GISC Trial, 350,154 from UK Biobank (UKBB), and 210,826 from All of Us Research Program (AoU), totaling 561,776 individuals of diverse ancestry.

Results

Significant odds ratios (ORs) for lung cancer and difficulty quitting smoking were observed in both UKBB and AoU. For lung cancer, the ORs for individuals in the highest risk group (top 20% versus bottom 20%) were 1.85 (95% CI: 1.58 – 2.18) in UKBB and 2.39 (95% CI: 1.93 – 2.97) in AoU. For difficulty quitting smoking, the ORs (top 33% versus bottom 33%) were 1.36 (95% CI: 1.32 – 1.41) in UKBB and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.28 – 1.36) in AoU.

Conclusion

Our PRS-based intervention model leverages large-scale genetic data for robust risk assessment across populations. This model will be evaluated in two cluster-randomized clinical trials aimed at motivating health behavior changes in high-risk patients of diverse ancestry. This pioneering approach integrates genomic insights into primary care, promising improved outcomes in cancer prevention and tobacco treatment.
“She helped from the first minute to the last” – experiences of respectful maternal and newborn care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nampula Province, Mozambique
Authors: Lydon Megan M , Vilanculos Joaquim , Crew Carter , Barata Américo , Keyes Emily
Published: March 2024

Pandemic-related health service adaptations raised concerns about provision of quality, respectful maternity care globally. Despite this, little research has focused on the experiences of those using intrapartum care during this time. This study aimed to elevate the voices and document the experiences of birthing people in Nampula Province, Mozambique during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a longitudinal qualitative study from March-August 2021 and present an analysis of the 17 follow-up in-depth interviews conducted with participants who had a vaginal live birth. Interviews explored participants’ experience of labor and delivery care. They were conducted in Makua and Portuguese, audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. We applied thematic content analysis. Overall, participants did not express major concerns about COVID-19 or related service adaptations when describing their experiences of intrapartum care. Some noted its negative effects on elements of respectful care such as restricting birth companions. Overcrowding became more concerning due to the threat of infection. While unclear if affected by the pandemic, all participants who gave birth at a health facility reported experiencing at least one form of mistreatment, some recounting threats of cesarean delivery. Most explained that they and their newborns received care without their consent, especially regarding enemas and episiotomies. At the same time, respondents described a range of intrapartum experiences that included both respectful and disrespectful care. Most recalled positive verbal communication with their providers and many described receiving continuous attentive care. Participants explained that their satisfaction with childbirth services was tied to their birth outcome and their experience of respectful care. The findings indicate that steadfast commitments to quality care are critical to ensure families benefit from high-quality, respectful care at all times. The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic were limited but nonetheless signal a need for tighter connections between maternal health and emergency preparedness stakeholders.
Family matters: Linking population growth, kin interactions, and African elephant social groups
Authors: Croll Jasper C. , Caswell Hal
Published: March 2024

In many species, individuals are embedded in a network of kin with whom they interact. Interactions between kin can affect the survival and fertility rates, and thus the life history of individuals. These interactions indirectly affect both the network of kin and the dynamics of the population. In this way, a non-linear feedback between the kin network and individual vital rates emerges. We describe a framework for integrating these kin interactions into a matrix model by linking the individual kin network to a matrix model. We demonstrate the use of this framework for African elephant populations under varying poaching pressure. For this example, we incorporate effects of the maternal presence and matriarchal age on juvenile survival, and effects of the presence of a sister on young female fecundity. We find that the feedback resulting from the interactions between family members shifts and reduces the expected kin network. The reduction in family size and structure severely reduces the positive effects of family interactions, leading to an additional decrease in population growth rate on top of the direct decrease due to the additional mortality. Our analysis provides a framework that can be applied to a wide range of social species.
SciGeneX: Enhancing transcriptional analysis through gene module detection in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Bavais Julie , Chevallier Jessica , Spinelli Lionel , van de Pavert Serge A. , Puthier Denis
Published: March 2024

The standard pipeline to analyze scRNA-seq or spatial transcriptomics data focuses on a gene-centric approach, which overlooks the collective behavior of genes. However, cell populations should be viewed as intricate combinations of activated and repressed pathways. Thus, a broader view of gene behavior would provide more accurate information on cellular heterogeneity in single-cell or spatial transcriptomics data. Here, we described SciGeneX, a R package implementing a neighborhood analysis and a graph partitioning method to generate co-expression gene modules. These gene modules, which can be shared or restricted between cell populations, collectively reflect cell populations, and their combinations are able to highlight specific cell populations, even rare ones. SciGeneX was also able to uncover rare and novel cell populations which were not observed before in spatial transcriptomics data of human thymus. We show that SciGeneX outperforms existing methods on both artificial and experimental datasets. Overall, SciGeneX will aid in unraveling cellular and molecular diversity in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics studies. The R package is available athttps://github.com/dputhier/scigenex.
Functional omics of ORP7 in primary endothelial cells
Authors: Taskinen Juuso H. , Holopainen Minna , Ruhanen Hanna , Käkelä Reijo , Olkkonen Vesa M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Many members of the oxysterol binding protein related protein (ORP) family have been characterized in detail over the past decades, but the lipid transport and other functions of ORP7 still remain elusive. What is known about ORP7 points toward an endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane-localized protein, which also interacts with GABARAPL2 and unlipidated LC3B, suggesting a further autophagosomal/lysosomal association. Functional roles of ORP7 have been suggested in cholesterol efflux, hypercholesterolemia, and macroautophagy. We performed a hypothesis-free omics analysis of chemical ORP7 inhibition utilizing transcriptomics and lipidomics as well as proximity biotinylation interactomics to characterize ORP7 functions in a primary cell type, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, assays on metrics such as angiogenesis, cholesterol efflux and lipid droplet quantification were conducted.

Results

Pharmacological inhibition of ORP7 lead to an increase in gene expression related to lipid metabolism and inflammation, while genes associated with cell cycle and cell division were downregulated. Lipidomic analysis revealed increases in ceramides, lysophosphaditylcholines, as well as saturated and monounsaturated triacylglycerols. Significant decreases were seen in all cholesteryl ester and in some unsaturated triacylglycerol species, compatible with the detected decrease of mean lipid droplet area. Along with the reduced lipid stores, ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux and angiogenesis decreased. Interactomics revealed an interaction of ORP7 with AKT1, a central metabolic regulator.

Conclusions

The transcriptomics results suggest an increase in prostanoid as well as oxysterol synthesis, which could be related to the observed upregulation of proinflammatory genes. We envision that the defective angiogenesis in HUVECs subjected to ORP7 inhibition could be the result of an unfavorable plasma membrane lipid composition and/or reduced potential for cell division. To conclude, the present study suggests multifaceted functions of ORP7 in lipid homeostasis, angiogenic tube formation and gene expression of lipid metabolism, inflammation and cell cycle in primary endothelial cells, possibly through AKT1 interaction.
A programmable and automated optical electrowetting-on-dielectric (oEWOD) driven platform for massively parallel and sequential processing of single cell assay operations
Authors: Welch Lawrence G. , Estranero Jasper , Tourlomousis Panagiotis , Wootton Robert C. R. , Radu Valentin , González-Fernández Carlos , Puchtler Tim J. , Murzeau Claire M. , Dieckmann Nele M. G. , Shibahara Aya , Longbottom Brooke W. , Bryant Clare E. , Talbot Emma L.
Published: March 2024

Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on single cell profiling for high-throughput screening workflows in drug discovery and life sciences research. However, the biology underpinning these screens is often complex and is insufficiently addressed by singleplex assay screens. Traditional single cell screening technologies have created powerful sets of ‘omic data that allow users to bioinformatically infer biological function, but have as of yet not empowered direct functional analysis at the level of each individual cell. Consequently, screening campaigns often require multiple secondary screens leading to laborious, time-consuming and expensive workflows in which attrition points may not be queried until late in the process. We describe a platform that harnesses droplet microfluidics and optical electrowetting-on-dielectric (oEWOD) to perform highly-controlled sequential and multiplexed single cell assays in massively parallelised workflows to enable complex cell profiling during screening. Soluble reagents or objects, such as cells or assay beads, are encapsulated into droplets of media in fluorous oil and are actively filtered based on size and optical features ensuring only desirable droplets (e.g. single cell droplets) are retained for analysis, thereby overcoming the Poisson probability distribution. Droplets are stored in an array on a temperature-controlled chip and the history of individual droplets is logged from the point of filter until completion of the workflow. On chip, droplets are subject to an automated and flexible suite of operations including the merging of sample droplets and the fluorescent acquisition of assay readouts to enable complex sequential assay workflows. To demonstrate the broad utility of the platform, we present examples of single-cell functional workflows for various applications such as antibody discovery, infectious disease, and cell and gene therapy.
Probing the path-length dependence of parton energy loss via scaling properties in heavy ion collisions
Authors: Arleo François , Falmagne Guillaume
Published: March 2024

The scaling property of large-p⊥ hadron suppression, RAA(p⊥), measured in heavy ion collisions at the relativistic heavy ion collider and at the large hadron collider (LHC) leads to the determination of the average parton energy loss ⟨ε⟩ in quark-gluon plasma produced in a variety of collision systems and centrality classes. Relating ⟨ε⟩ to the particle multiplicity and collision geometry allows for probing the dependence of parton energy loss on the path length L. We find that ⟨ε⟩∝Lβ with β=1.02−0.06+0.09, which is consistent with the perturbative quantum chromodynamics expectation of parton energy loss in a longitudinally expanding quark-gluon plasma. We then demonstrate that the azimuthal anisotropy coefficient divided by the collision eccentricity, v2/e, follows the same scaling property as RAA. This scaling is observed in data, which are reproduced by the model at large p⊥. Finally, a linear relationship between v2/e and the logarithmic derivative of RAA is found and confirmed in data, offering an additional way to probe the L dependence of parton energy loss using coming measurements from LHC run 3.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Neural network analysis of neutron and X-ray reflectivity data incorporating prior knowledge
Authors: Munteanu Valentin , Starostin Vladimir , Greco Alessandro , Pithan Linus , Gerlach Alexander , Hinderhofer Alexander , Kowarik Stefan , Schreiber Frank
Published: March 2024

Due to the ambiguity related to the lack of phase information, determining the physical parameters of multilayer thin films from measured neutron and X-ray reflectivity curves is, on a fundamental level, an underdetermined inverse problem. This ambiguity poses limitations on standard neural networks, constraining the range and number of considered parameters in previous machine learning solutions. To overcome this challenge, a novel training procedure has been designed which incorporates dynamic prior boundaries for each physical parameter as additional inputs to the neural network. In this manner, the neural network can be trained simultaneously on all well-posed subintervals of a larger parameter space in which the inverse problem is underdetermined. During inference, users can flexibly input their own prior knowledge about the physical system to constrain the neural network prediction to distinct target subintervals in the parameter space. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in various scenarios, including multilayer structures with a box model parameterization and a physics-inspired special parameterization of the scattering length density profile for a multilayer structure. In contrast to previous methods, this approach scales favourably when increasing the complexity of the inverse problem, working properly even for a five-layer multilayer model and a periodic multilayer model with up to 17 open parameters.
Google Trends data and transfer function models to predict tourism demand in Italy
Authors: De Luca Giovanni , Rosciano Monica
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The tourist industry has to adopt a big data-driven foresight approach to enhance decision-making in a post-COVID international landscape still marked by significant uncertainty and in which some megatrends have the potential to reshape society in the next decades. This paper, considering the opportunity offered by the application of the quantitative analysis on internet new data sources, proposes a prediction method using Google Trends data based on an estimated transfer function model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the time-series methods to model and predict Google Trends data. A transfer function model is used to transform the prediction of Google Trends data into predictions of tourist arrivals. It predicts the United States tourism demand in Italy.

Findings

The results highlight the potential expressed by the use of big data-driven foresight approach. Applying a transfer function model on internet search data, timely forecasts of tourism flows are obtained. The two scenarios emerged can be used in tourism stakeholders’ decision-making process. In a future perspective, the methodological path could be applied to other tourism origin markets, to other internet search engine or other socioeconomic and environmental contexts.

Originality/value

The study raises awareness of foresight literacy in the tourism sector. Secondly, it complements the research on tourism demand forecasting by evaluating the performance of quantitative forecasting techniques on new data sources. Thirdly, it is the first paper that makes the United States arrival predictions in Italy. Finally, the findings provide immediate valuable information to tourism stakeholders that could be used to make decisions.
Can dermatologists reach their full potential in teledermatology? A validation study of diagnostic performance of skin diseases in live video conferencing teledermatology
Authors: Fujimoto Atsushi , Hayashi Ryota , Iguchi Seitaro , Abe Riichiro
Published: March 2024

The diagnostic accuracy rate of live videoconferencing (LVC) teledermatology, by board‐certified dermatologists compared to non‐dermatologists has not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of board‐certified dermatologists, dermatology specialty trainees, and board‐certified internists in LVC teledermatology. We examined the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians from different specialties in diagnosing the same group of patients. The clinicians were isolated from each other during the diagnosis process. We enrolled 18 volunteer physicians (six board‐certified dermatologists, six dermatology specialty trainees, and six board‐certified internists) who reviewed the skin conditions of 18 patients via LVC teledermatology. The diagnostic accuracy of the participating physicians was evaluated using the final diagnosis as the reference standard. The diagnostic accuracy averages were compared according to the physicians' specialties and disease categories. The mean ± standard deviation diagnostic accuracy of the most detailed level diagnosis was 83.3% ± 3.5% (range, 77.8%–89.0%) for board‐certified dermatologists, 53.7 ± 20.7% (range 27.8%–77.8%) for dermatology specialty trainees, and 27.8 ± 5.0% (range, 22.2%–33.3%) for board‐certified internists. Board‐certified dermatologists showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy, not only against board‐certified internists (p < 0.0001) but also against dermatology specialty trainees (p < 0.05). Disease categories with high accuracy rates (≥80%) only by board‐certified dermatologists were inflammatory papulosquamous dermatoses (87.5%), compared to 58.3%, and 20.8% for dermatology specialty trainees and board‐certified internists respectively). For inflammatory erythemas and other reactive inflammatory dermatoses the accuracy rates for board‐certified dermatologists, dermatology specialty trainees, and board‐certified internists were 83.3%, 33.3%, 8.3% respectively; for melanoma in situ neoplasms, 83.3%, 50.0%, 66.7% respectively), and for genetic disorders of keratinization 83.3%, 33.3%, and 0% respectively). Our findings showed that board‐certified dermatologists may have high diagnostic accuracy with practical safety and effectiveness in LVC teledermatology.
Co‐contribution Opportunities for Superannuation Funds and Policy‐Makers
Authors: Best Rohan
Published: March 2024

This article explores enhancement opportunities for Australian Government co‐contributions to superannuation accounts. The article's empirical foundation includes the distributions for variables related to saving, investment and risk perceptions in the 2022 wave of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. As income or wealth increase, there are increases in the probabilities of individuals making additional superannuation contributions, having a saving horizon of at least five years, and being prepared to take more than average investment risks. Four policy changes are suggested in the article, with the potential for superannuation funds to independently implement some of these changes.
Alternative Monetary Policy Commitments and the Yield Curve*
Authors: Gai Prasanna , Haworth Cameron
Published: March 2024

We present a simple model to characterise central bank forward guidance, large‐scale asset purchases and yield curve control. Endogenous yield curve reactions to policy shocks are a key determinant of monetary conditions and can support or offset policy intentions. Alternative monetary policy tools allow the central bank to signal central bank private information to investors when the policy rate is at the effective lower bound, shaping yield curve reactions. Commitments to these tools offer policy certainty but can become time‐inconsistent if the economy recovers sooner than expected. If commitments become time‐inconsistent, endogenous yield curve tightening can offset excess stimulus. The strength of this offset, and the optimality of monetary conditions, improves with the precision of investor inferences of central bank private information.
Evaluating the asymmetric effect of patents driven environmental technologies on environmental degradation in the E7 countries: An extended model of STIRPAT
Authors: Al‐Mulali Usama , Raboshuk Alina , Ibrahim Ridwan Lanre , Saboori Behnaz
Published: March 2024

This research employed an extended Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) modelling providing original empirical evidence on how technological innovation with the presence of green finance, energy transition vectoring renewable and non‐renewable energy, population, affluence, and financial development affect environmental sustainability measured on the carbon emissions and ecological consequences in E7 during the 1996–2019 period. The study applied mean group (MG), pooled mean group (PMG), and dynamic fixed effects (DFE) after conducting various preliminary tests. The findings predominantly revealed that renewable energy, green finance, and the patent in environmental technologies play an important role in mitigating environmental degradation. However, non‐renewable energy, financial development, population growth, and affluence escalate environmental degradation in the emerging countries under investigation. The outcome of this research proved conclusively that it is vital to introduce the patent on environmental technologies to encourage the collaboration on technology development related to global climate change. Furthermore, enhancing international collaboration in research and technology will positively affect local businesses through utilizing the modern climate change mitigation.
Ventilator‐assisted preoxygenation in an aeromedical retrieval setting
Authors: Latona Akmez , Pellatt Richard , Wedgwood David , Keijzers Gerben , Grant Steven
Published: March 2024

Objective

Ventilator‐assisted preoxygenation (VAPOX) is a method of preoxygenation and apnoeic ventilation which has been tried in hospital setting. We aimed to describe VAPOX during intubation of critically unwell patients in aeromedical retrieval setting.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of VAPOX performed at LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine (LRM) between January 2018 and December 2022 across Queensland, Australia. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Descriptive statistics and paired Student's t‐tests were used to evaluate the efficacy of VAPOX on oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Results

VAPOX was used in 40 patients. Diagnoses included pneumonia (n = 11), COPD (n = 6) and neurological (n = 7). Patients were intubated in hospital (n = 36), in helicopter (n = 2) and ambulance (n = 2). Median VAPOX settings were: positive end‐expiratory pressure 6 (IQR 5–9), pressure support 10 (IQR 10–14) and back up respiratory rate 14 (IQR 11–18). Twelve agitated patients underwent delayed sequence induction with ketamine. There was a statistically significant increase in SpO2 after application of VAPOX (P < 0.001), followed by a slight decrease after intubation (P = 0.006). Mean SpO2 were significantly improved after intubation compared with on arrival of LRM (P = 0.016). Hypotension was present prior to VAPOX (n = 13), during VAPOX (n = 2) and post‐intubation (n = 15). Two patients had cardiac arrest. Three patients were started on VAPOX but subsequently failed. There were no significant oxygen depletion or aspiration events.

Conclusion

VAPOX can be considered for pre‐intubation optimisation in the retrieval environment. The incidence of post‐intubation critical hypoxia was low, and hypotension was high. Pre‐intubation respiratory physiology can be optimised by delivering variable pressure supported minute ventilation, achieving a low incidence of critical hypoxia.
Cross‐sectional survey of staff and family perspectives on the use of CCTV in Australian residential aged care
Authors: Porock Davina , Vafeas Caroline , Towell‐Barnard Mandy , Emery Laura , Doleman Gemma , Alan Janine
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe staff and family members' opinions about closed‐circuit television (CCTV) in communal and private areas of residential aged care facilities (RACF), and to investigate how this relates to perceptions of care quality.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was developed to capture perceptions of CCTV's influence on care quality, and acceptable locations for CCTV placement. Data were recorded as ordinal‐scale and open responses. Non‐parametric tests of association were conducted.

Results

The survey was completed by 81 staff and 74 family members. Both staff and family were satisfied with care quality and safety, irrespective of CCTV use. More family members were in favour of CCTV in both public and private areas, compared to staff who favoured public areas. Staff and family assumed there was real‐time monitoring, leading to a belief that CCTV monitoring would improve safety and prevent falls and abuse. Concerns were raised that CCTV could be used instead of improving staff‐to‐resident ratios and interaction.

Conclusions

Overall, participants supported the use of CCTV more in public than in private areas and believed it reveals and prevents poor care. There was no association between CCTV use and satisfaction with care. Closed‐circuit television can have positive impacts if all stakeholders are involved in implementation.
CEO Risk Incentives and Innovation Premium*
Authors: Jung Mookwon , Park Jung Chul
Published: March 2024

We investigate the relationship between CEO risk incentives and the innovation premium (IP) proposed by Forbes. We suggest that compared to traditional proxies of innovation, the IP is a comprehensive measure of a firm's overall innovation and, therefore, can measure innovation effectiveness in broader industries. We find that both option vega and vega‐to‐delta ratio, as measures of CEO risk incentives, have a positive relationship with the IP. Additional tests reveal that the traditional patent‐related outputs are also motivated by CEO risk incentives, but only in the IT industry. Overall, our findings are consistent with (1) the empirical evidence of Coleset al.(2006,Journal of Financial Economics79, 431) that a higher vega after controlling for delta motivates managers to implement riskier policy choices and (2) the argument (Dittmannet al.2017,Review of Finance21, 1805) that the strength of the risk‐taking incentive relative to the performance‐based incentive, the vega‐to‐delta ratio, captures CEO risk‐taking incentives more accurately.
Yellow fever – An old foe with new developments
Authors: Grahn Emily , Picard Jacqueline , Henning Lars
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Yellow fever is caused by an RNA flavivirus. Immunisation in conjunction with vector control is at the forefront of yellow fever control and elimination.

Objective

This narrative review describes the impact and importance of yellow fever vaccinations for northern Australian health practitioners.

Design

Selected key policies, studies and medical guidelines are reviewed and presented.

Finding

Large yellow fever outbreaks, associated with vector spread, have occurred in the last decade in Africa and South America, increasing the risk of international spread of the virus. Mobile populations, like travellers or migrant workers, continue to be at risk of yellow fever. Quality assurance, including yellow fever centre accreditation and initiatives to decrease fraudulent yellow fever vaccination documentation, has evolved in the past few years. Fractional dosing of yellow fever vaccines has been shown to provide protection for 1 year in outbreak scenarios, but further studies are needed.

Discussion

Although Australia is yellow fever‐free, the disease could be introduced by viraemic persons as a competent Aedes mosquito vector is present in northern Australia. In addition to surveillance and vector control, health education and yellow fever vaccination remain the best lines of defence. In the event of an outbreak, a response via fractional dosing could prove to be effective in controlling the virus.

Conclusion

Health care providers in northern Australia should be aware of the risks of yellow fever and its introduction to northern Australia and be able to discuss vaccination status with their clients when needed.
Nurse Navigators – Champions of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework: A solution
Authors: Byrne Amy‐Louise , Brown Janie , Willis Eileen , Baldwin Adele , Harvey Clare
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Nurse Navigators were introduced in Queensland, Australia, in 2016. Nurse Navigators coordinate person‐centred care, create partnerships, improve care coordination and outcomes and facilitate system improvement, independently of hospital or community models. They navigate across all aspects of hospital and social services, liaising, negotiating and connecting care as needed. People stay with Nurse Navigators for as long as required, though the intent is to transition them from high‐care needs to self‐management. Nurse Navigators are a working model in rural and remote areas of Queensland.

Objective

To describe where the rural and remote Nurse Navigator position fits within the Rural Remote Nursing Generalist Framework and to define the depth and breadth of the rural and remote Nurse Navigator's scope of practice.

Design

Using template analysis, data from focus groups and interviews were analysed against the domains of the recently released National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework. Navigators working in rural and remote areas across Queensland Health were invited to an interview (n = 4) or focus group (n = 9), conducted between October 2019 and August 2020.

Findings

Rural and remote Nurse Navigators are proficient in all domains of the framework and actively champion for their patients, carers and the communities where they live and work.

Discussion

This research demonstrates that rural and remote Nurse Navigators are a working model of advanced nursing practice, acting as ‘champions’ of The Framework.

Conclusion

The Nurse Navigator model of care introduced to Queensland exemplifies proficient registered nurse practice to the full extent of their knowledge and skill.
The effect of enterprise unions on employment adjustment speed in Japanese firms
Authors: Noda Tomohiko , Hirano Daisuke
Published: March 2024

Using 20‐year dynamic panel data, we analysed the difference in employment adjustment speed and behaviour between unionized and non‐unionized firms, whether continuous or discontinuous, to investigate the effects of enterprise unions on job security in Japan. We confirmed that unionized firms were more reluctant to downsize and continue to offer stronger job security than non‐unionized firms. However, the unions’ influence on job security has gradually weakened. The primary contribution of this study is its clarification that unions in Japan played the role of guardians of job security under increasing globalization and technological innovation over the 20‐year sample period. Our clarification provides evidence that a different type of union, distinct from those in Western countries aiming for wage increases, is deeply embedded in the Japanese stakeholder system.
The influence of socio‐economic status on child temperament and psychological symptom profiles
Authors: Hong Ryan Y. , Ding Xiao Pan , Chan Kelly M. Y. , Yeung Wei‐Jun Jean
Published: March 2024

The influence of socio‐economic status (SES) on child temperament and psychological symptoms was examined using a nationally representative sample in Singapore. Data were available for 2169 children from 1987 families. Caregivers' reports were obtained on children aged 4–6. SES was operationalized as an aggregation of household income per capita, parental education level and housing type. Compared to their counterparts from higher SES families, children from low‐SES families tended to exhibit (a) higher negative affectivity but lower effortful control, and (b) higher internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In addition, children with a ‘resilient’ temperamental profile (i.e. low negative affectivity and high effortful control) were more likely to come from families with much higher SES, relative to children with other profiles. Children with high internalizing symptoms tended to come from low‐SES backgrounds, regardless of their externalizing symptoms. Among children with low internalizing symptoms, those with high externalizing symptoms came from lower SES backgrounds compared to those with low externalizing symptoms. Parental warmth and distress mediated the association between SES and child temperament and symptom profiles, with the exception of distress in the SES–temperament link. These findings supported the family stress model and highlighted the novel perspective of SES's influence on configurations of child temperament and symptom characteristics.
Modelling diagenetic reactions and secondary porosity generation in sandstones controlled by the advection of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids
Authors: Li Huan , Black Jay R. , Hao Yiwei , Hao Peng , Mishra Achyut , Haese Ralf R.
Published: March 2024

Higher secondary porosity was observed in the centre of a sandstone unit in the Eocene Shahejie Formation fan delta front sandstones from the Bozhong Depression, Bohai Bay Basin. This differs from past studies showing secondary porosity mainly in the marginal parts of sandstones adjacent to shales. This study utilized reactive transport models involving low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOA) to discuss potential processes resulting in the contrary distribution of secondary porosity. An interface model simulating LMWOA diffusion from adjacent shales to the sandstone resulted in secondary porosity in sandstones adjacent to shales. In contrast, an advection model simulating advective transport of LMWOA parallel to the sandstone bedding successfully generated higher secondary porosity in the central part. The central part of the sandstone exhibited better grain sorting (greater depositional porosity) and significantly less early carbonate cements compared to the marginal sandstone parts. Consequently, the central part had greater porosity prior to the dissolution through LMWOA. The initially higher porosity in the central part allowed for a higher advective flux of LMWOA‐rich water and associated lower pH, resulting in decreased oligoclase saturation, higher oligoclase dissolution rates and ultimately higher secondary porosity. This study indicates that grain sorting during sediment deposition, early carbonate cementation, LMWOA production in adjacent shales, and advection processes collectively control the diagenetic reactions and the distribution of secondary porosity in sandstones.
The effect of one‐time abutment placement on clinical and radiographic outcomes: A 5‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Molina Ana , Martin Conchita , Bollain Juan , Calatrava Javier , Sanz Mariano
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term (5 years) clinical efficacy of the one‐abutment one‐time protocol (test) versus the standard of care by placing the definitive abutment on the day of the prosthetic delivery (control).

Materials and Methods

In this study, 39 subjects with 60 implants were randomly allocated to either the test or the control group. Changes in the radiographic interproximal bone levels (DIB), modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth, modified plaque index, papilla fill (Jemt score), incidence of peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant mucositis as well as patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were collected and compared at 1, 3 and 5 years.

Results

At 5 years, the control group showed a greater, although not statistically significant, change in mean DIB values (0.97 mm vs. 0.53 mm). Regarding the other clinical parameters evaluated, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups at any time point. At 5 years, 51% of the implants presented peri‐implant mucositis (25.5% in the control and 23.5% in the test), and only one implant in the test group developed peri‐implantitis.

Conclusions

The connection and disconnection of healing abutments during the healing period was not associated with higher long‐term bone loss. Clinical outcomes and PROMs were similar between groups.
Robust fine‐grained visual recognition with images based on internet of things
Authors: Cai Zhenhuang , Yan Shuai , Huang Dan
Published: March 2024

Labeling fine‐grained objects manually is extremely challenging, as it is not only label‐intensive but also requires professional knowledge. Accordingly, robust learning methods for fine‐grained recognition with web images collected from Internet of Things have drawn significant attention. However, training deep fine‐grained models directly using untrusted web images is confronted by two primary obstacles: (1) label noise in web images and (2) domain variance between the online sources and test datasets. To this end, in this study, we mainly focus on addressing these two pivotal problems associated with untrusted web images. To be specific, we introduce an end‐to‐end network that collaboratively addresses these concerns in the process of separating trusted data from untrusted web images. To validate the efficacy of our proposed model, untrusted web images are first collected by utilizing the text category labels found within fine‐grained datasets. Subsequently, we employ the designed deep model to eliminate label noise and ameliorate domain mismatch. And the chosen trusted web data are utilized for model training. Comprehensive experiments and ablation studies validate that our method consistently surpasses other state‐of‐the‐art approaches for fine‐grained recognition tasks in real‐world scenarios, demonstrating a significant improvement margin (2.51% on CUB200‐2011 and 2.92% on Stanford Dogs). The source code and models can be accessed at:https://github.com/Codeczh/FGVC‐IoT.
Parental communicative input as a protective factor in Bangladeshi families living in poverty: A multi‐dimensional perspective
Authors: Wei Ran , Sullivan Eileen F. , Begum Fatema , Rahman Navin , Tofail Fahmida , Haque Rashidul , Nelson Charles A.
Published: March 2024

Studies from high‐income populations have shown that stimulating, supportive communicative input from parents promote children's cognitive and language development. However, fewer studies have identified specific features of input supporting the healthy development of children growing up in low‐ or middle‐income countries. The current study proposes and tests a multi‐dimensional framework for understanding whether and how caregiver communicative input mediates the associations between socio‐economic conditions and early development. We also examine how caregiver conceptual scaffolding and autonomy support uniquely and synergistically explain variation in child outcomes. Participants were 71 Bangladeshi families with five‐year‐olds who were exposed to a range of biological and psychosocial hazards from birth. Caregiver‐child interactions during snack sharing and semi‐structured play were coded for caregiver conceptual scaffolding, autonomy support, and child engagement. Findings indicate that the two dimensions of input were correlated, suggesting that caregivers who provided richer conceptual scaffolds were simultaneously more supportive of children's autonomy. Notably, conceptual scaffolding and autonomy support each mediated associations between maternal education and child verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Further, caregivers who supported greater autonomy in their children had children who participated in conversations more actively, and these children in turn had higher performance IQ scores. When considered simultaneously, conceptual scaffolding was associated with verbal IQ over and above autonomy support, whereas autonomy support related to child engagement, controlling for conceptual scaffolding. These findings shed new light on how environmental factors may support early development, contributing to the design of family‐centered, culturally authentic interventions. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/9v_8sIv7ako

Research Highlights

Studies from high‐income countries have identified factors mitigating the impacts of socio‐economic risks on development. Such research is scarce in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

The present study conceptualized and evaluated caregiver communicative input in Bangladeshi families along two interrelated yet distinct dimensions: conceptual scaffolding and autonomy support.

Conceptual scaffolding and autonomy support individually mediated associations between maternal education and child verbal IQ, shedding light on protective factors in families living in poverty.

Parents providing richer conceptual scaffolds were simultaneously more supportive of children's autonomy. However, the two dimensions each related to cognition and language through unique pathways.
Racial disparities in the utilization of invasive neuromodulation devices for the treatment of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Alcala‐Zermeno Juan Luis , Fureman Brandy , Grzeskowiak Caitlin L. , Potnis Ojas , Taveras Maria , Logan Margaret W. , Rybacki Delanie , Friedman Daniel , Lowenstein Daniel , Kuzniecky Ruben , French Jacqueline ,   the HEP2 investigators
Published: March 2024

Racial disparities affect multiple dimensions of epilepsy care including epilepsy surgery. This study aims to further explore these disparities by determining the utilization of invasive neuromodulation devices according to race and ethnicity in a multicenter study of patients living with focal drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). We performed a post hoc analysis of the Human Epilepsy Project 2 (HEP2) data. HEP2 is a prospective study of patients living with focal DRE involving 10 sites distributed across the United States. There were no statistical differences in the racial distribution of the study population compared to the US population using census data except for patients reporting more than one race. Of 154 patients enrolled in HEP2, 55 (36%) underwent invasive neuromodulation for DRE management at some point in the course of their epilepsy. Of those, 36 (71%) were patients who identified as White. Patients were significantly less likely to have a device if they identified solely as Black/African American than if they did not (odds ratio = .21, 95% confidence interval = .05–.96, p = .03). Invasive neuromodulation for management of DRE is underutilized in the Black/African American population, indicating a new facet of racial disparities in epilepsy care.
The experience of growing up with a sibling who has depression from emerging adults' perspectives
Authors: Shinan‐Altman Shiri , Levkovich Inbar
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim was to explore the experiences of growing up with a sibling with depression from the perspective of emerging adult siblings.

Background

Growing up with a sibling who experiences depression profoundly impacts the personal lives of emerging adults. This study addresses a research gap by delving into the unique experiences of these emerging adult siblings.

Methods

Utilizing a qualitative‐phenomenological approach, we examined the experiences of 25 emerging adults (aged 18–29) who had lived with a depressed sibling during adolescence. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted. Data collection continued until concept saturation. Thematic analysis was employed.

Results

We identified two central themes in the participants' experiences. In the first theme, significant challenges were illuminated within the parent–child relationship, marked by frustration, the assumption of parental roles, emotional disconnect, and hindrances to personal growth. The second theme pertained to the implications of their sibling's depression on the emerging adults' personal lives, resulting in sacrifices, emotional turmoil, and a sense of responsibility. Participants also exhibited resilience, empathy, and personal growth.

Conclusions

This research illuminates the nuanced dynamics among emerging adults with depressed siblings, underscoring the need for tailored interventions that support both caregiving responsibilities and personal development. Incorporating sibling perspectives into clinical practice can enhance intervention strategies and promote well‐being.

Implications

These findings underscore the need for personalized support that enables emerging adults to balance caregiving for their depressed siblings with their own personal growth, with a focus on fostering family communication and resilience.
Investigation of bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid profiles of wheat breads enriched with poppy seed paste
Authors: Al‐Juhaimi Fahad , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Karrar Emad
Published: March 2024

Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of breads with poppy paste at different concentrations were established between 41.94 (control) and 56.71 mg GAE per 100 g (poppy paste 20%) to 72.14 (control) and 379.29 mg per 100 g (poppy paste 30%), respectively. Antioxidant capacity values of breads varied between 0.08 (control) and 1.04 mmol kg−1 (poppy paste 30%). L* results of breads were determined between 64.86 and 75.07, while a* and b* results vary between 0.51 and 5.47; 20.97 and 25.96, respectively. Gallic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid contents of breads were determined between 13.00 (poppy paste 30%) and 63.21 mg per 100 g (poppy paste 20%) to 23.71 (poppy paste 10%) and 36.57 mg per 100 g (poppy paste 20%), respectively. Oleic and linoleic acid values of the bread oils were determined between 34.44% (control) and 40.06% (poppy paste 30%) to 34.945 (control) and 46.69% (poppy paste 10%), respectively. As a result, the most popular bread samples were enriched with 20% poppy paste, followed by 30%, control and 10% poppy paste added bread samples in decreasing order.