bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers' perceptions of school principals' role in tackling the pandemic crisis
Authors: Kafa Antonios
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study on teachers' perspective about school principals' role during the pandemic in the context of Greece. In particular, information is provided on school principals' communication and leadership aspects in tackling the pandemic crisis as well as the obstacles observed in this particular setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through the focus group interview tool and included 19 teachers from primary and secondary education in Greece. Due to the circumstances of the pandemic crisis, the interview process was held using the Zoom software environment. The data collection tools included a common semi-structured interview protocol developed specifically for this study based on the current theoretical sources of school principals' role in tackling the pandemic crisis.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated the important aspects of trust, collaboration, and positive climate, together with school principals' external dimension that included the outreach of the local community, parents, private organizations, etc. during the pandemic crisis. Finally, obstacles connected to the students' lack of technological equipment were also observed and addressed by school principals.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study could not be generalized since the study proceeded with convenience sampling. Furthermore, the data were collected while the world was in lockdown during the second pandemic wave.

Originality/value

This piece of research adds to the empirical aspect of school principals' role during the pandemic crisis from a different perspective and reports that researching school principals' role in tackling crises has grown considerably.
The effect of FDI on domestic entrepreneurship: the case of greenfield investment and cross-border M&A activities
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Minh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The paper examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), either greenfield investment or cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As), on domestic entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a panel dataset of 104 countries over ten years from 2006 to 2015 and multiple econometric techniques to control for potential endogeneity bias.

Findings

FDI, both in the form of greenfield investment and cross-border M&As, exerts positive spillover that encourages domestic entrepreneurial activities. While the benefit of greenfield investment in entrepreneurship is more pronounced in countries with higher levels of market capacity and institutional support, that of cross-border M&As is not influenced by these factors. On the other hand, human capital is important in promoting the positive effects of both types of FDI, and unless the level of human capital in the host economies reaches a certain threshold, greenfield investment can adversely affect domestic entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Policies toward FDI need to focus on promoting the driving forces behind FDI spillover to counteract the potential negative crowding-out effect of FDI.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing literature investigating the impact of FDI on domestic entrepreneurship by distinguishing between the two FDI modes of entry and taking into account the moderating effects of sociopolitical characteristics of the host economies.
Fiscal policy and sukuk market development in OIC countries
Authors: Baita Abubakar Jamilu , Malami Hussaini Usman , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the fiscal policy drivers of sovereign sukuk market development in selected Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Specifically, the research aims to analyze the effects of fiscal deficit, public debt and government expenditure on sovereign sukuk market development, while controlling for macroeconomic and financial factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of eight OIC member countries that play active role in the global sukuk market which include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey and Sudan. In addition, the study covers a period of 10 years spanning between 2011 and 2020. Similarly, the study uses three models, namely, random effect, generalized least square and system generalized method of moments panel models. To check for the robustness of the results, the study replaces current values of fiscal policy variables with one-year lagged values.

Findings

The findings establish that fiscal policy variables significantly influence the development of sovereign sukuk markets. Specifically, public debt is a significant fiscal variable that promotes sovereign sukuk market development, while fiscal deficit has a negative effect on the development of sovereign sukuk market. However, the findings suggest that government expenditure does not influence sovereign sukuk issuance in the OIC member countries.

Practical implications

The study is significant to both investors and regulators in the sukuk market because it attempts to spotlight the importance of sound fiscal climate in developing sovereign sukuk market. Public debt is a facilitator, whereas fiscal deficit appears to be a constraint. Therefore, policymakers should determine the optimal mix of public debt and fiscal deficit in designing policies that promote sukuk market development.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study is its focus on the role of fiscal policy variables in facilitating sovereign sukuk market development. The study systematically establishes the link between fiscal policy and sovereign sukuk market in the OIC countries. Previous empirical studies focus extensively on the effects of macroeconomic, financial and institutional factors on sukuk market development.
Fasting and refeeding triggers specific changes in bile acid profiles and gut microbiota
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qi Hongyan , Wang Long , Hu Chunyan , Gao Aibo , Wu Qihan , Wang Qiaoling , Lin Huibin , Chen Banru , Wang Xingyu , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Wang Jiqiu , Lu Jieli , Liu Ruixin
Published: January 2023

Background

Bile acids (BAs) are closely related to nutrient supply and modified by gut microbiota. Gut microbiota perturbations shape BA composition, which further affects host metabolism.

Methods

We investigated BA profiles in plasma, feces, and liver of mice fed ad libitum, fasted for 24 h, fasted for 24 h and then refed for 24 h using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiota was measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Expressions of BA biosynthesis‐related genes in the liver and BA reabsorption‐related genes in the ileum were analyzed.

Findings

Compared with the controls, unconjugated primary BAs (PBAs) and unconjugated secondary BAs (SBAs) in plasma were decreased whereas conjugated SBAs in plasma, unconjugated PBAs, unconjugated SBAs and conjugated SBAs in feces, and unconjugated SBAs in liver were increased in the fasting mice. The expression of BA biosynthesis‐related genes in the liver and BA reabsorption‐related genes in the ileum were decreased in the fasting mice compared with the controls. Compared with the controls, Akkermansia, Parabacteroides, Muribaculum, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes and Muribaculaceae were increased in the fasting mice whereas Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were decreased. All these changes in BAs and gut microbiota were recovered under refeeding. Akkermansia was negatively correlated with plasma levels of unconjugated PBAs, unconjugated SBAs and glucose, whereas it was positively correlated with plasma conjugated SBAs, fecal unconjugated PBAs, and fecal unconjugated SBAs.

Conclusions

We characterized the BA profiles, gut microbiota, and gene expression responsible for BA biosynthesis and intestinal reabsorption to explore their rapid changes in response to food availability. Our study highlighted the rapid effect of nutrient supply on BAs and gut microbiota.
Markers of intestinal immune activation and inflammation are not associated with preterm birth among women with low level HIV viremia
Authors: Powell Anna Maya , Persaud Deborah , Anderson Jean Rene , Kacanek Deborah , Huo Yanling , Psoter Kevin , Yanek Lisa R. , Ghanem Khalil , Burd Irina ,   the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trial (IMPAACT) 1025 protocol team
Published: January 2023

Background

Maternal markers of intestinal immune activation may be used to predict preterm birth (PTB) in pregnant women living with HIV.

Methods

This study used de‐identified samples from the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) Protocol P1025 study. Singleton pregnancies with ≥3 ml plasma available and HIV viral load ≤400 copies/ml within 4 weeks of specimen collection were included. Frequency matching of PTB cases and term birth controls was performed on basis of maternal race, number of available plasma specimens, and timing of plasma sample collection in a 1:1 ratio. Plasma progesterone, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, soluble CD14, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐binding protein, and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1B, IFN‐gamma, IL‐6, TNF‐alpha) were measured. Generalized mixed linear regression modeling was used to examine the association between PTB and biomarkers, adjusting for covariates and confounders. Data analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC).

Results

We included 104 PTB compared to 104 controls. Third trimester log2 IL‐1B was lower among PTB versus term birth controls by univariate analysis (–1.50 ± 2.26 vs. –.24 ± 2.69, p = .01) though this association was no longer significant by regression modeling. In an uncontrolled, exploratory sub‐analysis, subjects with prior PTB had increased odds of PTB with higher I‐FABP [aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.18‐6.24] and lower IFN‐gamma [aOR .23, 95% CI .12‐.41] after adjustment for covariates and confounders.

Conclusions

Intestinal immune activation measured by soluble CD14 or intestinal fatty acid binding protein was not associated with preterm birth among pregnant women with low‐level HIV viremia.
Target panic: Disrupted ecologies of skill in archery
Authors: Rooke Eliott
Published: January 2023

The yips – a phenomenon whereby skilled practitioners suddenly and inexplicably struggle with their performance – has been observed in many sports. With no consensus as to the origins of the yips, it is, for many, a chronic condition bringing an end to careers and hobbies alike. This paper turns its attention to ‘target panic’, a sport‐specific instantiation of the yips found amongst archers. By bringing empirical encounters with target panic into conversation with geographical literature on skill, this paper seeks to invite reconsideration as to how and where the yips manifest. Rather than focusing on whether the yips is psychological or physical in origin, ecological approaches to skill allow for us to understand the yips as stemming from the disruption of the more‐than‐human communicative links on which skilled ecologies are founded. The concept of disruption is used to understand how this breakdown operates. Disruption is seen to be a boundary creating or boundary affirming process which impedes the ability for different actors to attune to one another. By re‐interpreting the yips as a result of disruption and locating it between actors, rather than within them, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions about what it means to be (de)skilled in a disrupted world and presents new possibilities for methods to prevent and treat the yips.
The pattern of association between early childhood caries and body mass index in pre‐school children within Aotearoa | New Zealand: a national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Hobbs Matthew , Ahuriri‐Driscoll Annabel , Kokaua Jesse , Singh Sheetalpreet , Lee Martin
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The relationship between childhood anthropometric measurements and dental caries has an inconsistent evidence‐base. This study investigated dental caries experience and body mass index (BMI) measurements of children aged 4 years in a national cohort, after accounting for key confounding variables.

Methods

A near whole‐population cross‐sectional study of children who had a health and developmental assessment, as part of the nationwide B4 School Check screening program, conducted in Aotearoa | New Zealand (ANZ) between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2021 was studied. The extracted database included 582 820 children, of whom 572 523 (98.2%) had valid BMI and oral health records. Dental caries experience was derived from the ‘lift the lip’ oral health screening, and measured height and weight were used to calculate sex‐specific BMI‐for‐age z‐scores (BMIz). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity and area‐level deprivation. Modified Poisson regression models using 2‐degree fractional polynomial curves for BMIz were employed.

Results

In the extracted sample, the median age was 4.3 years (interquartile range: 4.1–4.5 years), 283 565 (48.7%) were female, 135 734 (23.4%) and 74 237 (12.8%) were identified as Māori and Pacific, respectively, and 140 931 (24.4%) lived in the most deprived areas of ANZ. Overall, 81 926 (14.2%) had dental caries identified. In unadjusted analyses, a significant J‐shaped association was observed between dental caries experience and BMIz. However, in the adjusted analysis, a significant flattened S‐shaped association was found; those with lower BMIz had lower predicted probabilities of dental caries experience. Large differences in predicted probabilities were observed between different sex, ethnicity and area‐level deprivation groups.

Conclusions

This study found significant non‐linear associations between dental caries experience and BMI in 4‐year‐old children. However, the inclusion of confounders importantly changed the shape of this non‐linear association. Sex, ethnicity and area‐level deprivation inequalities had a greater impact on dental caries experience than BMI.
Deep‐penetrating‐nevus‐like melanoma arising in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome
Authors: Russell‐Goldman Eleanor , MacConaill Laura , Laga Alvaro C. , Hanna John
Published: January 2023

Deep penetrating nevi (DPN) are uncommon but distinctive melanocytic neoplasms that show an epithelioid to spindle cell morphology, prominent pigmentation with melanophages, and a plexiform growth pattern. Molecularly, most DPN are thought to be characterized by dual activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase and the wingless‐related integration site (Wnt) pathways, the latter being most commonly driven by activating β‐catenin mutations. DPN‐like melanomas are very rare but can be recognized through their overlapping morphologic and architectural features with DPN. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome associated with multiple tumor types including colorectal carcinoma and desmoid fibromatosis. Like DPN, FAP is also driven by activation of the Wnt pathway, most commonly through loss of function mutations in APC, which is a major negative regulator of β‐catenin. Here we report two cases of DPN‐like melanoma arising in FAP patients. While the small number of cases precludes definitive establishment of an etiologic link between these entities, the shared molecular pathogenesis of DPN‐like lesions and FAP suggests that FAP patients may be at increased risk for this rare subtype of melanoma.
Pediatric androgenetic alopecia: an updated review
Authors: Gomes Tiago Fernandes , Soares Rui Oliveira
Published: January 2023

Pediatric androgenetic alopecia is an underrecognized disorder. A clinical evaluation with trichoscopy should be made in children and adolescents with hair loss and/or reduced hair density. Diagnosis is usually clinical, by observation of the hair loss pattern and performance of trichoscopy. In some cases, hyperandrogenism should be excluded. Although there is no approved therapy for androgenetic alopecia in pediatric age, topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil and topical finasteride may be very useful. Hair transplant may be an option for girls in selected cases. This article is a review of the current state of evidence concerning pediatric androgenetic alopecia.
A market for diagnostic devices for extreme point‐of‐care testing: Are we ASSURED of an ethical outcome?
Authors: Howard Mark
Published: January 2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is leading a global effort to deliver improved diagnostic testing to people living in low‐resource settings. A reliance on the healthcare technologies marketplace and industry, shapes many aspects of the WHO project, and in this situation normative guidance comes by way of the ASSURED criteria — Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User‐friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment‐free, and Delivered. While generally improving access to diagnostics, I argue that the ASSURED approach to distributive justice — efficiency — and assessment of worth — productivity — may constrain efforts to deliver timely and accurate diagnosis in the developing world equitably by holding back new and innovative diagnostics and indirectly encouraging program and device design that may unfairly discriminate against certain groups. Even as we try to overcome the problem of global healthcare injustice, we may be entrenching disadvantage. I present my critique of ASSURED by 1) referencing Boltanski and Thévenot's theory of orders of worth to highlight the industrial and market foundations of the ASSURED guidelines; 2) comparing ASSURED with other normative guides that elevate the importance of civic responsibility in evaluations of distributive justice; 3) presenting a case study of the failed promise of microfluidic diagnostic devices. I conclude that a new approach to normative guidance is required to assess the value of developing world diagnostics, preferably, one that does not force global public goods into the marketplace.
The role of p63 in embryonic external genitalia outgrowth in mice
Authors: Tanaka Kosei , Matsumaru Daisuke , Suzuki Kentaro , Yamada Gen , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: January 2023

Embryonic external genitalia (genital tubercle [GT]) protrude from the cloaca and outgrow as cloacal development progresses. Individual gene functions and knockout phenotypes in GT development have been extensively analyzed; however, the interactions between these genes are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of p63, focusing on its interaction with the Shh–Wnt/Ctnnb1–Fgf8 pathway, a signaling network that is known to play a role in GT outgrowth. p63 was expressed in the epithelial tissues of the GT at E11.5, and the distal tip of the GT predominantly expressed the ΔNp63α isoform. The GTs in p63 knockout embryos had normal Shh expression, but CTNNB1 protein and Fgf8 gene expression in the distal urethral epithelium was decreased or lost. Constitutive expression of CTNNB1 in p63‐null embryos restored Fgf8 expression, accompanied by small bud structure development; however, such bud structures could not be maintained by E13.5, at which point mutant GTs exhibited severe abnormalities showing a split shape with a hemorrhagic cloaca. Therefore, p63 is a key component of the signaling pathway that triggers Fgf8 expression in the distal urethral epithelium and contributes to GT outgrowth by ensuring the structural integrity of the cloacal epithelia. Altogether, we propose that p63 plays an essential role in the signaling network for the development of external genitalia.
The effect of pulp volume and impact direction on the stress and strain distribution during an impact
Authors: Firmiano Tainah Costa , de Morais Gabriela Rodrigues Silva , Oliveira Amanda Alves , Arruda Karine Evangelista Martins , Silva Maria Alves Garcia Santos , Veríssimo Crisnicaw
Published: January 2023

Background/Aim

Dentoalveolar trauma has a high incidence in different age groups, including the extremes, children, and older people. Mouth aging leads to some changes, one of them being the pulp volume reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different pulp cavity volumes and the impact direction on the stress and strain distribution of a maxillary central incisor.

Material and Methods

Twenty cone beam computed tomography sets of images were selected and the pulp cavity volume was measured by ITK‐SNAP software. The mean pulp cavity volume for age group of 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds was calculated to obtain the largest one. Subsequent reductions (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) in the pulp volume values were made to simulate the aging process. The maxilla anterior segment was modeled in the Rhinoceros 5.0 software. The three‐dimensional volumetric mesh was generated using the Patran software (MSC. Software), with isoparametrics, 4‐noded tetrahedral elements, and exported to Marc/Mentat (MSC. Software) as element number 134. A non‐linear dynamic impact analysis was performed in which a steel ball reached the central incisor at a speed of 5 m/s in the horizontal or vertical direction. The stresses were evaluated by modified von Mises stresses. The strains and the total displacement were also recorded.

Results

The pulp volume mean value for the age group of 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds was 65.05 mm3. Stress concentrations were slightly different for the different pulp volumes. Impact directions resulted in different stress distribution. Higher stress values were present with the horizontal impact (range between 25.18 MPa and 24.08 MPa for enamel and 38.89 MPa and 37.03 for dentin) when compared to vertical impact (range between 15.30 MPa and 14.58 for enamel and 24.77 to 22.03 MPa for dentin). Total displacement was different for the two impact directions and higher for the horizontal impact.

Conclusion

Pulp volume did not significantly affect the stress, strain, and total displacement during the impact but the impact direction did affect the evaluated parameters during impact.
A novel davunetide (NAPVSIPQQ to NAPVSIPQE) point mutation in activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) causes a mild developmental syndrome
Authors: Gozes Illana , Shazman Shula
Published: January 2023

NAP (NAPVSIPQ, drug candidate name, davunetide) is the neuroprotective fragment of activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). Recent studies identified NAPVSIP as a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain‐ligand association site, responsible for controlling signalling pathways regulating the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, the SIP motif in NAP/ADNP was identified as crucial for direct microtubule end‐binding protein interaction facilitating microtubule dynamics and Tau microtubule interaction, at the microtubule end‐binding protein site EB1 and EB3. Most de novo ADNP mutations reveal heterozygous STOP or frameshift STOP aberrations, driving the autistic/intellectual disability‐related ADNP syndrome. Here, we report for the first time on a de novo missense mutation, resulting in ADNP containing NAPVISPQE instead of NAPVSIPQQ, in a child presenting developmental hypotonia, possibly associated with inflammation affecting food intake in early life coupled with fear of peer interactions and suggestive of a novel case of the ADNP syndrome. In silico modelling showed that the mutation Q (polar side chain) to E (negative side chain) affected the electrostatic characteristics of ADNP (reducing, while scattering the electrostatic positive patch). Comparison with the most prevalent pathogenic ADNP mutation, p.Tyr719*, indicated a further reduction in the electrostatic patch. Previously, exogenous NAP partially ameliorated deficits associated with ADNP p.Tyr719* mutations in transfected cells and in CRISPR/Cas9 genome edited cell and mouse models. These findings stress the importance of the NAP sequence in ADNP and as a future putative therapy for the ADNP syndrome.
Population differences in the aggregation and collective foraging behavior of fragmented social spider colonies
Authors: Durkin Emily S. , Cassidy Steven T. , Leyva Arletys , Keiser Carl N.
Published: January 2023

Long‐term interactions among individuals are a hallmark of animal societies, but groups rarely remain entirely stable over time. Individuals die or emigrate, or groups become spatially fragmented. Group fragmentation can alter the phenotypic composition of subgroups by separating well‐connected individuals or altering sex ratios, which may alter the execution of collective behaviors. Over 10 days, we measured the aggregation behavior and collective prey capture of experimentally fragmented social spider (Stegodyphus dumicola) colonies collected from different populations in South Africa and Namibia. Colonies were fragmented for 4 weeks, after which subgroups were allowed to aggregate into a single group over time in a shared novel environment. Namibian colonies aggregated more rapidly than South African colonies. Across both populations, colonies containing individuals with higher average boldness values (faster recovery time after an antagonistic stimulus) attacked prey stimuli with more participants. However, bolder colonies from South Africa attacked prey stimuli faster, whereas attack latency in Namibian colonies was unaffected by colony boldness. These data suggest that fragmentation events, which are a common phenomenon in this species and other animal societies, can influence how individuals interact to accomplish collective tasks. Further, collective behavior and group fusion after fragmentation events can differ among groups from different populations.
Nothing about us without us: A co‐production strategy for communities, researchers and stakeholders to identify ways of improving health and reducing inequalities
Authors: Albert Alexandra , Islam Shahid , Haklay Muki , McEachan Rosemary R. C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Co‐production with communities is increasingly seen as best practice that can improve the quality, relevance and effectiveness of research and service delivery. Despite this promising position, there remains uncertainty around definitions of co‐production and how to operationalize it. The current paper describes the development of a co‐production strategy to guide the work of the ActEarly multistakeholder preventative research programme to improve children's health in Bradford and Tower Hamlets, UK.

Methods

The strategy used Appreciative Inquiry (AI), an approach following a five‐step iterative process: to define (Step 1) scope and guide progress; to discover (Step 2) key issues through seven focus groups (N = 36) and eight in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders representing community groups, and the voluntary and statutory sectors; to dream (Step 3) best practice through two workshops with AI participants to review findings; to design (Step 4) a co‐production strategy building on AI findings and to deliver (Step 5) the practical guidance in the strategy.

Results

Nine principles for how to do co‐production well were identified: power should be shared; embrace a wide range of perspectives and skills; respect and value the lived experience; benefits should be for all involved parties; go to communities and do not expect them to come to you; work flexibly; avoid jargon and ensure availability of the right information; relationships should be built for the long‐term; co‐production activities should be adequately resourced. These principles were based on three underlying values of equality, reciprocity and agency.

Conclusion

The empirical insights of the paper highlight the crucial importance of adequate resources and infrastructure to deliver effective co‐production. This documentation of one approach to operationalizing co‐production serves to avert any misappropriations of the term ‘co‐production’ by listening to service users, stakeholders and other relevant groups, to develop trust and long‐term relationships, and build on the learning that already exists amongst such groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

The work was overseen by a steering group (N = 17) of individuals, both professional and members of the public with experience in undertaking co‐production, and/or with some knowledge of the context of the two ActEarly field sites, who provided regular oversight and feedback on the AI process.
Maternal exposure to extreme high‐temperature, particulate air pollution and macrosomia in 14 countries of Africa
Authors: Li Guoao , Hu Wenlei , Lu Huanhuan , Liu Jianjun , Li Xue , He Jialiu , Zhu Jinliang , Zhao Huanhuan , Hao Jiahu , Huang Fen
Published: January 2023

Background

Macrosomia has increased rapidly worldwide in the past few decades, with a huge impact on health. However, the effect of PM2.5and extreme high‐temperature (EHT) on macrosomia has been ignored.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to EHT, PM2.5and macrosomia based on the Seventh Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in 14 countries of Africa.

Methods

The study included detailed demographic information on 106 382 births and maternal. Satellite inversion models estimated monthly mean PM2.5and mean surface temperature of 2 m (SMT2m). Macrosomia was defined as the birth weight ≥ 4000 g. We used a Cox proportional risk regression model to estimate the association between PM2.5, EHT and macrosomia. We further explored the susceptibility of exposure to EHT and PM2.5at different pregnancy periods to macrosomia, and plotted the expose‐response curve between PM2.5and macrosomia risk using a restricted cubic spline function. In addition, the Interplot model was used to investigate the interaction between EHT and PM2.5on macrosomia. Finally, some potential confounding factors were analysed by stratification.

Results

There was the positive association between EHT, PM2.5and macrosomia, and the risk of macrosomia with the increase in concentrations of PM2.5without clear threshold. Meanwhile, EHT and PM2.5had a higher effect on macrosomia in middle/later and early/middle stages of pregnancy, respectively. There was a significant interaction between EHT and PM2.5on macrosomia.

Conclusions

Maternal exposure to EHT, PM2.5during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in Africa.
Preparation and administration of androgen deprivation therapy products: Retrospective survey results
Authors: Goldfischer Evan R. , Grubb ElizaBeth , Nisbet Paul
Published: January 2023

Leuprolide acetate (LA) is a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist used as androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer. LA is available in formulations intended for intramuscular (IM‐LA) or subcutaneous (SC‐LA) administration. Post‐marketing reports have noted handling errors associated with the preparation and administration of SC‐LA. This study gathered real‐world evidence on administration and management of IM‐LA and SC‐LA in large, urology‐ or oncology‐based practices. Over 200 staff were invited; 151 participated in an online survey. Main outcomes were time for each step of the ordering, inventory, mixing and administration processes. Mean values and standard errors are reported for continuous variables, and frequency and percentage are reported for categorical variables. Comparisons between groups were made with t tests and chi‐square tests as appropriate. For IM‐LA and SC‐LA, ease of ordering and time to place an order (10.8 ± 1.3 vs. 10.6 ± 1.4 min, respectively) were similar. IM‐LA was associated with a shorter time to complete preparation (2.5 ± 0.2 vs. 6.1 ± 0.6 min, P < 0.001) compared with SC‐LA. This difference of 3.6 min per preparation could result in substantial time savings annually ranging from 120 h per year to 240 h per year in clinical practices administering 2000 injections per year or 4000 injections per year, respectively. For IM‐LA vs. SC‐LA, greater ease of preparation was reported by 64% vs. 43% of respondents, respectively. Over 15% of respondents used injection sites inconsistent with prescribing information, regardless of the type of injection. This study found that it takes a significantly shorter time to prepare and administer IM‐LA than SC‐LA in large urology‐ and oncology‐based practices. The time saved could be utilized for other tasks such as seeing additional patients. Use of injection sites inconsistent with prescribing information suggests a need for more training of nursing staff in the proper administration of these drugs to ensure adequate testosterone suppression and patient safety.
Impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on the oral health status of paediatric dental patients in Greece
Authors: Angelopoulou Matina V. , Seremidi Kyriaki , Papaioannou William , Gizani Sotiria
Published: January 2023

Background

Limited evidence regarding the post‐COVID‐19 dental status of paediatric patients is available, with most studies assessing only children's oral health habits.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on the oral health of paediatric dental patients in Greece.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study that included a questionnaire on children's oral health behavior and a clinical examination assessing dental caries and dental treatment needs using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria, dmft/DMFT, and Treatment Need Index. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for a statistical comparison between questionnaire and clinical data before, during, and after the lockdown.

Results

A total of 102 children with a median age of 9 years were recruited from the current cohort of patients that had their last dental examination 6 months prior to the lockdown. Results from the questionnaire showed decreased brushing frequency with increased eating frequency and sugar consumption during the lockdown period (p < .001). Moreover, 16.5% had to visit the dentist for urgent care during the lockdown, 13.6% experienced dental pain, and 51.5% did not experience any dental emergencies. Clinical examination, after the lockdown, recorded significantly increased mean dmft/DMFT scores by 0.63 units in the primary dentition (p = .01) and 0.52 units in the permanent teeth (p = .002). Significantly higher treatment needs, with more carious lesions requiring extensive treatment after the lockdown, were recorded (p < .001).

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 lockdown negatively affected children's oral health behavior: caries prevalence increased and more complex dental treatments were required.
Cover
Authors: Farrell Timothy W. , Volden Tiffany A. , Butler Jorie M. , Eleazer G. Paul , Rupper Randall W. , Echt Katharina V. , Shaughnessy Marianne , Supiano Mark A.
Published: January 2023

GEC Continuum of Services for Aging Veterans. See the related article by Farrell et al., pages 18–25.

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A Pilot Study of Maternal Songwriting to Support Bonding During Pregnancy: “I Could Feel Her Rise and Fall With My Breath While Singing”
Authors: O'Reilly Gemma , Cheung Pui Sze , McCaffrey Tríona
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Attachment is a lasting psychological and emotional bond that impacts a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Maternal‐fetal attachment is a precursor to this bond that is regarded as a predictor for mother‐infant relating postbirth. Although previous studies have investigated use of music interventions to support maternal‐fetal attachment, no study to date has investigated the use of maternal songwriting to support this bond during pregnancy.

Methods

Four pregnant women were recruited to this pilot study. Each woman participated in 2 songwriting workshops with the aim of writing an original song to their fetus. Following the workshops, experiences of using songwriting for the purposes of supporting bonding were investigated through individual semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Analysis of semistructured interviews with pregnant women revealed 3 main themes: song singing promotes physical connection with the fetus; songwriting encourages open communication with the fetus; and songwriting can create a musical legacy within families.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that investigated maternal songwriting to support bonding during pregnancy. Findings indicated that songwriting has the potential to support such attachment due to its capacity to enhance physical connection and open communication with the fetus, while also creating a musical legacy that can be used and passed on among other family members. Overall, songwriting may support pregnant women to draw on their inner resources to create such a bespoke musical gift to their unborn child. Further research around this topic is warranted.
Participation in the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund policy by dentists in South Carolina's safety net
Authors: Marshall Julie L. , Riley Amah , Martin Amy B.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act appropriated $100 billion to the Provider Relief Fund, allowing for direct payments to health care providers due to COVID‐19. Few studies have evaluated participation in the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), and none have specifically looked at dental providers in the safety net.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, secondary data analysis using a quasi‐experimental cohort design of South Carolina dentists who received PRF payments, comparing those who did and did not participate in the safety net. Safety net practice was operationalized as those participating in Medicaid, and whether they provided care in dental health professional shortage areas, or rural communities.

Results

Of the 628 dental providers in South Carolina who received PRF payments, 34% were identified as Medicaid providers while 66% did not participate in Medicaid; we found no statistical difference between payments to Medicaid versus non‐Medicaid dental providers. Of PRF payments to dental providers participating in South Carolina's Medicaid program, we found no difference between payments to rural and urban providers but did find that practices offering services in dental care shortage areas received less than providers practicing in counties not designated as a shortage area.

Conclusions

The PRF achieved its goal of distributing financial support to providers affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. But without policy imperatives linked to need‐based allocations or incentives for PRF recipients to serve safety net populations, we may later learn this was a missed opportunity for PRF.
Chrysosporum ovalisporum is synonymous with the true‐branching cyanobacterium Umezakia natans (Nostocales/Aphanizomenonaceae)
Authors: McGregor Glenn B. , Sendall Barbara C. , Niiyama Yuko , Tuji Akihiro , Willis Anusuya
Published: January 2023

True branching is a facultative characteristic only known from two cyanobacteria in the Aphanizomenonaceae, Umezakia natans and Dolichospermum brachiatum. In both cases, its expression has been associated with environmental stress, and its practical use as a diacritical feature has been previously evaluated. In this study, we undertook further evaluation of the phylogeny of Umezakia natans and its relationship to Chrysosporum ovalisporum as a previous study suggested the two were potentially congeneric. We used combined morphological, phylogenetic, and phylogenomic approaches to determine their relatedness using new strains available from a broad geographic range. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that Australian C. ovalisporum and Japanese U. natans strains clustered together with accessions of C. ovalisporum originating from Australia, Israel, and Spain, with high p‐distance similarity values (99.5%–99.9%). Additionally, differences between the two species in the 16S–23S ITS region was low (0%–2.5%). The average nucleotide identity of the U. natans and C. ovalisporum strains was also high (ANI of > 99.5 and AF > 0.9) and supported a genus‐level separation from Chrysosporum bergii (83 ANI between clusters). Furthermore, in culture, strains of both species grown in vitamin‐free media showed facultative true branching, a feature not previously known in C. ovalisporum. Collectively, the results support unification of C. ovalisporum and U. natans according to the principle of priority as Umezakia ovalisporum.
Actor–network theory: A novel approach to supply chain management theory development
Authors: Hald Kim Sundtoft , Spring Martin
Published: January 2023

Supply chain management (SCM) researchers often conduct research using theoretical approaches and ontological assumptions adopted from other areas of management. These approaches and assumptions are valid for some aspects of SCM but may also neglect or be unsuited to other questions and concerns that are distinctive to the SCM domain. Actor–network theory (ANT) provides an alternative perspective that addresses some of the blind spots of established approaches. We begin by describing the main theoretical assumptions and the dominant ontological position of ANT, in terms of three principles: relationality, heterogeneity, and performativity. We then show how adopting these principles allows an alternative conceptualization of the supply chain and of SCM itself and discuss the methodological implications of adopting these principles for research in SCM. ANT‐inspired research can make four major contributions to the development of new SCM theory. First, ANT can provide new theoretical insights into the dynamic and fragile character of supply chains, specifically regarding how SCM systems and devices are implemented, constructed, and transformed in practice. Second, ANT can enable the development of SCM theory that leads to a better understanding of how people in SCM roles really act when managing in the supply chain space. Third, the question of what and who manages the supply chain can be explored in radically new ways. Finally, ANT can provide a complementary perspective on power in the supply chain, serving as a good lens for researchers interested in exploring the politics of representing, interpreting, and stabilizing SCM practices and systems.
Demonstration of the discrepancy between AT‐wave morphology on 12‐lead ECG and AT mechanism in scar‐related AT
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Martin Claire A. , Yamamoto Tasuku , Nakatani Yosuke , Duchateau Josselin , Pambrun Thomas , Derval Nicolas , Sacher Frederic , Hocini Meleze , Nishimura Takuro , Tao Susumu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Goya Masahiko , Haïssaguerre Michel , Sasano Tetsuo , Jaïs Pierre
Published: January 2023

The 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental modality to help determine the mechanism and the localization of atrial tachycardias (ATs). Although macroreentrant ATs and focal ATs typically show F‐waves and discrete P‐waves respectively on the 12‐lead ECG, this is not universally the case in scar‐related ATs.1, We present three cases clearly showing the discrepancy between the AT morphology on the 12‐lead ECG and the AT‐mechanism.
Electroencephalography signals and neurodevelopment after Kawasaki disease: A pilot study
Authors: Fauteux Audrey‐Ann , Gutierrez Rojas Rocio , Agbogba Kristian , Benovoy Mitchel , Charlebois‐Poirier Audrey‐Rose , Lalancette Eve , Lippé Sarah , Dahdah Nagib
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute Kawasaki disease (KD) induces central nervous system inflammation and excessive irritability. Long‐term impacts on children's neurodevelopment have only been studied marginally. This pilot study aimed to describe the neuropsychological profile of primary school‐aged children with a history of KD and to explore the impacts of KD on electroencephalography (EEG) markers associated with attention and brain maturation.

Methods

Fifteen children (8.8 ± 2.5 years) were recruited 4.9 ± 2.7 years after KD onset. Intellectual abilities, long‐term memory, and auditory sustained attention were evaluated. Parents completed standardized questionnaires assessing (1) executive functioning; (2) internalizing and externalizing difficulties; (3) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms; and (4) autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) and alpha peak (AP) were extracted from resting‐state EEG and compared with 32 controls (8.9 ± 2.1 years). The alpha band was analyzed using a feature reduction algorithm to detect potential groupings.

Results

Performances showed preserved intellectual abilities and memory. Sustained attention performance was within the lower range for 4/14 participants (29%), with considerable parental reports of inattention (43%), working memory difficulties (50%), and hyperactivity‐impulsivity (36%). No alterations in the TBR were found but the KD group presented a significantly lower AP amplitude ratio. A clear separation of KD cohort into two clusters showed that acute irritability is associated with a weaker AP.

Conclusions

Despite overall preserved cognitive functions, there is a possible association between KD and attention deficit concerns. This first EEG‐based study indicates alpha peak abnormality after KD, predominantly in children with acute irritability. Longitudinal studies are warranted to better characterize patients' neurodevelopmental trajectory.
Expressivism and moral independence
Authors: Salinger Elliot
Published: January 2023

Metaethical expressivism faces the perennial objection that its commitment to non‐cognitivism about moral judgment renders the view revisionary of our ordinary moral thought. The standard response to this objection is to say that since the expressivist's theoretical commitments about the nature of moral judgment are independent of normative ethics, the view cannot be revisionary of normative ethics. This essay seeks to evaluate the standard response by exploring several senses of independence that expressivism might enjoy from normative ethics. I develop a taxonomy on which, at least by the expressivist's own lights, normative ethics is not dependent on non‐cognitivism about moral judgment in a way that might render that claim itself normative ethical. The argument will require us to formulate a theory of moral subject matter according to the expressivist, a matter of independent interest. Although this discussion will essentially vindicate the standard response to the perennial objection, it will also highlight a major limitation thereof. This is that even for the expressivist, the taxonomic independence of non‐cognitivism about moral judgment from normative ethics does not guarantee its moral independence from normative ethics; that is, showing that non‐cognitivism about moral judgment is not a moral claim is not itself to show that it is not a morally relevant claim. I conclude by arguing that the question of moral dependence, usually discussed under the heading of objectivity, is ultimately first‐order moral rather than taxonomic, and so can only be resolved on first‐order moral grounds.
Klippel–Fiel syndrome with rare presentation of bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis – A case report
Authors: Duggal Isha , Pandey Ujjya , Kumar Chaudhari Prabhat , Duggal Ritu
Published: January 2023

Background

Klippel–Fiel syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital skeletal disorder characterized clinically by presence of a triad of short neck, limited neck mobility (due to fused cervical vertebrae) and low posterior hair line. It was first described by Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil in 1912. Various skeletal and non‐skeletal anomalies may be seen in association with KFS.

Case Presentation

This report aims to highlight orofacial manifestations of a 16‐year‐old male patient with KFS along with a rare presentation of bilateral osteoarthritic changes in the temporomandibular joint. The treatment planning and execution for such a case has also been described.

Conclusion

Bilateral osteoarthritic changes of temporomandibular joint have been rarely reported in KFS. This report emphasizes that early diagnosis of various associated anomalies and timely intervention through an interdisciplinary approach is very essential in the management of patients with KFS.