bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“You are too expensive, you need to work faster!”: Ukrainian agricultural workers navigating precarities in Denmark
Authors: Horton Elena , Whyte Zachary
Published: June 2024

Ukrainian migration to Denmark has been structured by national fast‐track programmes, predominantly funnelling Ukrainians towards low‐skilled and precarious jobs in Danish livestock production. However, since the recent Russian invasion, the introduction of Law L145 has entitled Ukrainians in Denmark to similar employment rights as the European Union citizens through an SL1 visa. While this opens up previously inaccessible areas of the Danish labour market, it also makes Ukrainians subject to the same restrictive legislation as other refugees and puts a hard end date to their visas, making their future status uncertain. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with nine Ukrainian agricultural workers living in Denmark at the time of the invasion, this article explores their attempts to navigate precarities of work, gender and legal status in Denmark. Precarities of work sprang from differences between agricultural sectors, as year‐round work with livestock involved a dependence on farmers, where workers accepted exploitative conditions in order to maintain their residence and work permits. Precarities of gender were reflected in the way women were made dependent on their partner through an “accompanying family members” visa, which shaped family lives and became problematic in the case of separations. Precarities of legal status were created by frequent legislative changes that made legal status uncertain and destabilized the long‐term investments of Ukrainians planning to stay in Denmark. While the SL1 offered a way out of some of the precarities experienced by agricultural workers, it did so at the cost of added complications and continuing uncertainty, pushing people from one kind of precarity to another.
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 Pandemic on Emergency Hospitalizations for Acute Respiratory Infections: The Experience of a Paediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in Italy
Authors: Ciofi degli Atti Marta Luisa , Beccia Flavia , D'Amore Carmen , Ravà Lucilla , Bernaschi Paola , Russo Cristina , Villani Alberto , Perno Carlo Federico , Raponi Massimiliano
Published: June 2024

Background

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major healthcare issue in children. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic changed the epidemiology of ARIs; the aims of this study are to characterize the epidemiological trend of ARI emergency hospitalizations and virology results and to estimate the association of ARI emergency hospitalizations with respiratory viruses from January 2018 to June 2023.

Methods

This study was carried out in an Italian tertiary care children's hospital (Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital). The demographic and clinical information of children who accessed the Emergency Department (ED) with ARI and were hospitalized were retrospectively extracted from the electronic health records. Multivariate linear regression model was used to compare the number of ARI hospital admissions with the reported temporal trends in viruses diagnosed from respiratory samples throughout the same time period.

Results

During the study period, there were 92,140 ED visits and 10,541 hospitalizations due to ARIs, reflecting an admission rate of 11.4%. The highest proportion of hospitalizations occurred in infants ≤ 1 year of age (n = 4840, 45.9% of total admissions), with a hospitalization rate of 22.6%. Emergency hospitalizations aligned closely with the predictions made by the multivariate regression model; peaks in hospitalizations reflected Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) circulation.

Conclusions

ARI hospital urgent admissions are a relevant component of ARI disease burden in children. RSV prevention and control are crucial to limit the risk of urgent hospitalizations due to ARIs.
Efficacity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for necrotizing fasciitis in the maxillofacial region: The review of the literature
Authors: Kryeziu Kaltrina , Myftiu Blerim , Hajdari Besim , Alihajdaraj Rrezarta , Stubljar David
Published: June 2024

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, dangerous, potentially fatal infectious disease of soft tissue. The treatment consists of antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement and subsequent reconstruction. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been applied in NF patients recently, so our aim was to gather the findings and outcomes for HBO therapy. A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was conducted regarding the effect of HBO therapy in patients with NF following key words: ‘necrotizing fasciitis’ AND ‘maxillofacial region’ OR ‘head and neck’ AND ‘hyperbaric oxygen’ OR ‘HBO’. A total of 3333 studies have been identified, of which only 16 articles met the inclusion criteria of this review. A conclusion was made, that aggressive combinations of antibiotics and surgical debridement followed by incorporation of HBO therapy, as an adjuvant treatment, in patients with NF and in company by immunoglobulin therapy are showing promising results. In addition, multi‐centric studies should be in consideration for further research.
The effect of different care delivery models in a hospital setting on patient‐ and nurse‐related outcomes: A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Geltmeyer Klara , Duprez Veerle , Blondeel Marie , Serraes Brecht , Eeckloo Kristof , Malfait Simon
Published: June 2024

Aim

To synthesize and assess the effectiveness of different care delivery models in a hospital setting, taking into account patient‐ and nurse‐related outcomes.

Design

A systematic review with narrative synthesis in which a comparison was made between different care delivery models.

Methods

The search string consisted of four clusters: ‘nursing’, ‘care delivery models’, ‘hospital setting’ and ‘quantitative research designs’. Four electronic databases were searched from the inception of the databases to January 2023: Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science.

Results

In total, 19 studies were included in the systematic review. The most commonly compared care delivery models were functional nursing to primary nursing (n = 6), patient allocation to team nursing (n = 4), team nursing to primary nursing (n = 3) and functional nursing to modular nursing (n = 3). Only one randomized crossover trial was found, other included studies were pretest–posttest designs or quasi‐experimental designs. The implementation of a nursing care delivery model was the study intervention. The following aspects of the intervention were not reported or inadequately described by the majority of the authors; tailoring of an intervention, modifications to an intervention and the adherence or fidelity to the intervention. Job satisfaction and quality of nursing care were the most commonly reported nursing outcomes, while patient satisfaction was the most commonly reported patient outcome. Due to a high heterogeneity in outcome measures between the studies, a meta‐analysis of the included studies was not possible. All included studies had a high risk of overall bias.

Conclusion

This systematic review found mixed evidence, inconsistent reporting of certain elements of the interventions, high heterogeneity in outcome measures and low methodological quality. Although this systematic review could not answer which nursing care delivery model is the most effective or most promising, other important findings from this review may inform future research.

Impact

There are differences in care delivery model descriptions and a lack of agreement on the strengths and weaknesses of the care delivery models.

No clear‐cut answer can be given about the effect of different care delivery models in a hospital setting on patient‐ and nurse‐related outcomes.

Job satisfaction and quality of nursing care were the most commonly reported nursing outcomes, while patient satisfaction was the most commonly reported patient outcome.

This review can support the development of future care delivery redesign strategies.

Reporting method

The systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Heavy metal pollution exposure affects egg coloration but not male provisioning effort in the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Authors: Mari Lisandrina , Šulc Michal , Szala Klaudia , Troscianko Jolyon , Eeva Tapio , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: June 2024

Heavy metal pollution is known to negatively affect numerous traits in birds, including foraging, metabolism, immunity, and reproductive success. In this study, our primary aim was to assess the impact of metal pollution exposure on the visual appearance of the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca eggs. Specifically, we focused on blue‐green biliverdin‐based coloration, a trait expected to function as a signal of female quality to males. In line with the sexually selected egg coloration (SSEC) hypothesis, which posits that males respond to more intensely colored eggs by increasing their provisioning effort, our second objective was to investigate whether metal pollution exposure affects this specific signaling mechanism and subsequent male behavior. Our results showed that although coloration did not correlate with female quality or male provisioning effort, egg blue‐green coloration decreased in polluted areas compared to non‐polluted control areas. Our analysis of reflectance data revealed that this difference was due to an increased ultraviolet reflectance of eggs from polluted areas, likely caused by changes in eggshell microstructure (e.g. porosity). We therefore propose that metal pollution exposure may compromise crucial color signals of bird eggs. Avian visual modeling indicated that eggs laid by different flycatcher females are generally very similar, making discrimination by males challenging and perhaps impossible especially in dark cavities. Overall, our results suggest that the SSEC hypothesis may lack adaptive relevance for the pied flycatcher in northern Europe, even in environments influenced by anthropogenic activities.
The EU Commission During the Covid‐19 Crisis: Attempts at Self‐Empowerment, or Not?
Authors: Brandsma Gijs Jan , Blom‐Hansen Jens
Published: June 2024

We argue that the European Commission, like national governments, is likely to have used the Covid‐19 crisis as an opportunity to bolster its own powers. We focus on the Commission's attempts to insert into legal proposals provisions to adopt delegated or implementing acts, as this is the only possible way to gain lasting rule‐making powers. We analyse all the Commission's legal proposals for an equal time span before and after the start of the Covid‐19 crisis and study whether the number of proposed delegation provisions has changed after the onset of the crisis. The analysis, to our surprise, does not show any clear evidence of a self‐empowerment strategy. In the conclusion, we discuss likely explanations for this non‐finding.
Recruitment of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in northerly UK estuaries indicates a mismatch between spawning and fisheries closure periods
Authors: Dawson Joe , Lincoln Harriet , Sturrock Anna M. , Martinho Filipe , McCarthy Ian D.
Published: June 2024

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a species of high commercial and recreational value, but it exhibits highly variable recruitment rates and has been subject to recent declines. Emergency management measures put in place to protect spawning stocks include the annual closure of commercial and recreational fisheries over a 2‐month, February–March, window. Whether this protection measure is having the desired outcome for this data‐poor species remains unclear. Otolith microstructural analyses (counts and widths of daily growth rings and check marks indicative of settlement) were used to estimate (1) spawn timing, (2) pelagic larval duration and settlement timing, (3) growth rate and condition, and (4) the otolith‐fish size relationship for juvenile European sea bass caught from two estuaries in Wales (Dwyryd, Y Foryd), located at the northern edge of the species range. We observed a significant mismatch between the timing of fisheries closures and the spawning, with 99.2% of recruits having been spawned after the fishery had reopened (back‐calculated median spawn date = May 5 ± 17 days SD), suggesting that the closure may be too early to adequately protect this population. Further, we present the first empirically derived estimates of pelagic larval duration for sea bass recruits settling in UK habitats, which showed a strong negative relationship with spawn date. Finally, we found significant differences in fish condition between the two estuaries, suggesting local variation in habitat quality. The results suggest that the timing of current fisheries closures may not be adequately protecting the spawners supplying these northernmost estuaries, which are likely to become increasingly important as sea bass distributions shift northward in our climate future.
Perceptions of patients towards oral health care in a spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Samuel Rebecca , Bagdesar Mary , Brown Travis D. G. , Kong Ariana C. , Shetty Sachin , George Ajesh , Ajwani Shilpi
Published: June 2024

Background

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are at an increased risk of poor oral health compared to the general population. However, little is known about the related barriers and facilitators experienced by these individuals within the hospital setting.

Objectives

Understand the oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of people with SCIs, barriers and facilitators to managing their oral health, and recommendations to improve oral care at acute/rehabilitation hospital settings.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants, from a major metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia. The interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Three themes were constructed. Participants believed that the onus was on them to manage their oral health. Individuals also had limited knowledge of its importance to general health, and placed a lower priority on oral health compared to other aspects of health. All participants identified a combination of factors, such as cost, time, resources and prior negative experiences, that contributed to the neglect of their oral care. Participants also discussed the need of support from the multidisciplinary team and family/carers to facilitate oral care and identified various appropriate oral health education formats.

Conclusion

This study highlighted some areas where oral health knowledge among people with SCIs could be improved. It also identified the need for oral health training for the multidisciplinary team, as well as carers, to better integrate oral care during rehabilitation in the hospital. The development of oral health interventions would need to utilise a co‐design approach to best support clients and their carers to facilitate oral care self‐management.
Circ_0004771 regulates malignant biological behaviors and has clinical significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Rongji , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

Background

The incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is increasing, and more effective treatment protocols must rapidly be developed to prevent the death of patients and ensure favorable outcomes. CircRNAs are a unique class of noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules unaffected by RNA exonucleases. CircRNAs have more stable expression than linear RNAs and are not readily degraded; therefore, they are the newest focus of RNA research. Here, we analyze the mechanism of hsa_circ_0004771 (circ_0004771) in OSCC to provide a clinical reference.

Methods

Circ_0004771 expression was measured in peripheral blood, cancerous tissues and adjacent tissues of OSCC patients. Patients were followed up for 3 years. The diagnostic value of circ_0004771 for OSCC occurrence, prognosis, recurrence and survival was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. OSCC cells were lentivirally transduced with a circ_0004771‐silencing or an empty vector to evaluate alterations in cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. Apoptosis‐related and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related protein expression was quantified. BALB/c nude mice were used for tumorigenesis experiments to evaluate tumor growth in vivo after silencing circ_0004771.

Results

Circ_0004771 expression was higher in peripheral blood and cancerous tissue of OSCC patients than in control peripheral blood and paracancerous tissue, respectively, exhibiting excellent predictive value for OSCC occurrence, prognosis, recurrence and survival. Silencing circ_0004771 decreased the growth, invasiveness, and EMT capacity and increased the apoptosis of OCC cells. In mice implanted with OSCC cells transduced with the circ_0004771‐silencing lentiviral vector, the tumor growth capacity was obviously decreased.

Conclusion

Silencing circ_0004771 inhibits the malignant growth of OSCC.
Damage versus risk perception: Why do house prices recover after hurricanes?
Authors: Le Hoanh
Published: June 2024

I study house price dynamics following Hurricane Sandy to explain the common puzzling finding of a price drop followed by a complete price recovery. Applying a quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences research design on Zillow parcel‐level sales data combined with Federal Emergency Management Agency data on damaged structures, I show that the extent of direct damages drives the decline in house prices. The extent of remodeling expenditures, as estimated from building permits, is found to be responsible for causing the return of prices to pre‐storm levels. Comparing flood insurance take‐up rates in the affected and non‐affected areas within floodplains and similarly for outside floodplains, I find no revision in perceived risk in the floodplain. In contrast, there has been an increase in flood insurance take‐up rates in affected areas outside of floodplains after the hurricane.
Quality of Health Education Teacher Preparation Program Curricula Throughout the United States
Authors: Dombrowski Rachael D. , Mallare James , Auld M. Elaine , Hughes Chelsey , Fuhrmeister Jordan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Undergraduate majors in education, specifically in school health education (HE), have declined considerably in the United States. Reductions in state and federal funding for K‐12 public education and increased demands on educators to prioritize standardized academic outcomes versus focusing on the whole child encompass many factors leading to fewer qualified teachers and reduced quality of HE delivery within schools.

METHODS

A content analysis of over 300 HE teacher preparation programs throughout the United States was conducted from 2019 to 2020 to assess available and required curriculum for pre‐service HE teachers. Seven curriculum areas were reviewed: nutrition, physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE), HE, chronic disease management (CDM), social emotional learning and mental health (SEL/MH), drug abuse and tobacco prevention (DA/TP), and a methods course in teaching HE.

RESULTS

Findings indicated program type influenced course offerings, with stand‐alone HE and joint HE/PE programs providing the most comprehensive curriculum. Most programs required courses in general HE, PA and PE, and nutrition. Programs were deficient in offering courses in CDM, DA/TP, and SEL/MH.

CONCLUSION

This article contains recommendations to improve the quality of HE delivery in public schools, for example by ensuring that school health educators are trained in providing skills‐based HE to youth, which can assist in addressing child and youth health outcomes (eg, CDM, mental health) for the nation.
Finney and Jaboulay pyloroplasties for the treatment of benign gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats: technique and outcome in 13 cases (2015‐2024)
Authors: Maurice E. , Dekerle B. , Garnier P. , Fournet A. , Vial J. , Freiche V. , Viateau V. , Manassero M.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To describe the use, complications and outcome of Finney or Jaboulay pyloroplasties for the treatment of benign gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of dogs and cats surgically treated with Finney or Jaboulay pyloroplasty for benign gastric outflow tract disease in three institutions between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Eight dogs and five cats were diagnosed with benign obstructive or perforating gastric outlet lesions, including chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy (n = 4), perforating pyloro‐duodenal peptic ulcer (4), sub‐obstructive pyloro‐duodenal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (2) and antral or proximal duodenal obstructive mass (3). Nine cases were treated using hand‐sewn Finney pyloroplasty and four cases were treated using stapled Jaboulay pyloroplasty. No major complications were recorded. Cases were followed for a median of 16.1 [11 to 29.6] months. At the last follow‐up, the outcome was excellent in all cases, with no clinical signs recorded and no medical treatment required.

Clinical Significance

This case series suggests that Finney and Jaboulay pyloroplasties were safe and effective procedures for the surgical treatment of benign obstructive or perforating gastric outlet lesions in dogs and cats.
A national survey of iodine nutrition in children aged 3–6 years in China and its relationship with children's physical growth
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Jun‐Xia , Shen Xiao‐Li , Wang Yu‐Qing , Yan Chong‐Huai
Published: June 2024

Iodine, an essential trace element for the human body, plays a pivotal role in sustaining health. Malnutrition has emerged as a pressing public health concern, posing a significant threat to human well‐being. Iodine deficiency poses a substantial threat to the development of children, potentially leading to neurological developmental disorders and mental retardation. Conversely, excessive iodine intake can result in structural and functional abnormalities in the thyroid gland. In this study, we selected children aged 3–6 years through a stratified cluster sampling approach in six regions across China to explore the correlation between iodine nutrition and their physical growth. A total of 5920 preschool children participated in this study, with a median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of 177.33 [107.06, 269.92] μg/L. Among these children, 250 (4.2%) exhibited stunting, 180 (3.0%) were underweight, 198 (3.3%) experienced wasting, 787 (3.3%) were overweight and 414 (7.0%) were classified as obese. The multivariate linear regression revealed that UIC exhibited a positive correlation with body mass index z‐Score (BMIZ) in overweight children (β = 0.038; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.075). In normally growing children, the associations between UIC and height‐for‐age z‐score, weight‐for‐age z‐score and BMIZ displayed nonlinear patterns. Our findings suggest that iodine nutrition is adequate for Chinese children aged 3–6 years. Furthermore, iodine nutrition is intricately linked to the growth and development of these children. Consequently, it is imperative to implement decisive measures to prevent both iodine deficiency and excess.
A survey of 701 cases of tinea faciei in Hangzhou, southeastern China, from 2018 to 2023
Authors: Li Jiajia , Zhi Huilin , Xia Xiujiao , Liu Zehu
Published: June 2024

Background

Tinea faciei, a specific dermatophytosis that affects the glabrous skin of the face, not only causes physical discomfort but also leads to greater psychological distress. Tinea faciei is a public health concern.

Objectives

To analyse the epidemiological characteristics, responsible dermatophyte species and clinical features of tinea faciei in Hangzhou.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Laboratory Information System of the Mycology Laboratory and Medical Information System at a hospital in Hangzhou. Isolates were identified based on their macroscopic appearance and microscopic morphology.

Results

Tinea faciei was diagnosed in 701 patients, involving 359 males and 342 females, aged between 2 months and 97 years. In total, 499 isolates (71.18%) were identified as Trichophyton rubrum. Anthropophilic isolates were identified in 297 (82.73%) males and 207 (60.53%) females (p < .01). Among patients with anthropophilic dermatophytes infection, 447 (88.69%) were adults. Zoophilic dermatophytes were isolated in 57 (15.88%) males and 130 (38.01%) females (p < .01), among whom 108 (57.75%) were children.

Conclusions

Anthropophilic dermatophytes, especially T. rubrum, were the predominant cause of tinea faciei, while zoophilic dermatophytes were the most prevalent in children. Compared with men, women may be more susceptible to zoophilic dermatophytes.
Nationalism and the transformation of the state
Authors: Cederman Lars‐Erik
Published: June 2024

While it is often assumed that the core debates about nationalism were settled by modernist scholars already in the 1980s, there are reasons to question this theoretical ‘consensus’, especially because it fails to anticipate the wave of nationalist geopolitics that is currently sweeping through the world. Contemporary studies of nationalism typically refrain from conceptualising politics in spatial terms, while overstating states' ability to shape ethno‐national identities irrespective of their ethnic roots and offering little empirical validation. To overcome these limitations, it is useful to analyse how nationalism transforms the state, rather than the reverse. This article reports findings from an EU‐funded research project that uses historical maps covering borders of states and ethnic groups to show how nationalism causes increasing congruence between these borders and how a lack thereof makes conflict and border change more likely. This risk is further increased by ‘restorative’ narratives bemoaning supposedly lost independence and unity. Further research traces the spread of reactive nationalism through modernisation processes driven by railroad expansion until the early 20th century. Yet this does not mean that state partition offers the only, or the best, solution to nationality problems. Power sharing can pacify at least as well as ethno‐nationalist border change.
A diet low in fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols improves abdominal and overall symptoms in persons with all subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dean Gregory , Chey Samuel W. , Singh Prashant , Chey William D.
Published: June 2024

Background

A diet low in fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols (LFD) improves symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous studies have focused on patients with IBS and diarrhea (IBS‐D). It is unclear whether LFD is effective for IBS with constipation (IBS‐C) or IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS‐M). This open‐label, real‐world study evaluates the relative effectiveness of the LFD among IBS subtypes.

Methods

This study analyzes data from a service that provides low‐FODMAP meals to individuals with IBS. Participants met with a registered dietitian and completed the IBS symptom severity survey (IBS‐SSS) before and after undergoing a 2–4‐week period of FODMAP restriction. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with ≥50‐point decrease in IBS‐SSS between the three IBS subtypes.

Key Results

After FODMAP restriction, 90% of participants with IBS‐D, 75% with IBS‐C, and 84% with IBS‐M met the primary endpoint (p = 0.045). Similar improvement was seen for a 100‐point decrease, but the difference between IBS subtypes was not significant (p = 0.46). After FODMAP restriction, all groups had statistically significant improvement in total IBS‐SSS as well as individual symptom categories. Improvement in IBS‐SSS subcategories was similar among the groups except for the categories of bloating severity (IBS‐M had greatest improvement) and bowel movement satisfaction (IBS‐C had less improvement).

Conclusion & Inferences

Though the proportion of responders was highest for IBS‐D and lowest for IBS‐C, the LFD led to robust improvement in overall symptoms in all IBS subtypes. Key individual symptoms also showed significant improvements in all IBS subtypes.
Effect of thermomechanical ageing on force transmission by orthodontic aligners made of different thermoformed materials: An experimental study
Authors: Elshazly Tarek M. , Bourauel Christoph , Ismail Ahmed M. , Ghoraba Omar , Chavanne Philippe , Elattar Hanaa , Alhotan Abdulaziz
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Investigating the impact of thermal and mechanical loading on the force generation of orthodontic aligners made from various thermoplastic materials and different compositions.

Materials and Methods

Five distinct materials were utilized including, three multi‐layer (Zendura FLX, Zendura VIVA, CA Pro) and two single‐layer (Zendura A and Duran). A total of 50 thermoformed aligners (n = 10) underwent a 48‐hour ageing protocol, which involved mechanical loading resulting from a 0.2 mm facial malalignment of the upper right central incisor (Tooth 11) and thermal ageing through storage in warm distilled water at 37°C. The force exerted on Tooth 11 of a resin model was measured both before and after ageing using pressure‐sensitive films and a biomechanical setup.

Results

Before ageing, pressure‐sensitive films recorded normal contact forces ranging from 83.1 to 149.7 N, while the biomechanical setup measured resultant forces ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 N, with lingual forces exceeding facial forces. Multi‐layer materials exhibited lower force magnitudes compared to single‐layer materials. After ageing, a significant reduction in force was observed, with some materials experiencing up to a 50% decrease. Notably, multi‐layer materials, especially Zendura VIVA, exhibited lower force decay.

Conclusions

The force generated by aligners is influenced by both the aligner material and the direction of movement. Multi‐layer materials exhibit superior performance compared to single‐layer materials, primarily because of their lower initial force, which enhances patient comfort, and their capability to maintain consistent force application even after undergoing ageing.
Four cases of Chanarin‐Dorfman syndrome presenting with different types of erythrokeratoderma
Authors: Çetinarslan Tubanur , Yazıcı Havva , Erdoğan Kadri Murat , Kalkan Uçar Sema , Dalgıç Göksu , Kaya Gizem , Er Esra , Bilaç Cemal , Temiz Peyker , Türel Ermertcan Aylin , Fölster‐Holst Regina
Published: June 2024

Chanarin‐Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a multisystem autosomal recessive disorder due to variants of the ABHD5 gene, characterized by lipid vacuoles in the liver and leukocytes, and possible involvement of eyes, ears, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. CDS may present with skin changes, most commonly congenital non‐ bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, however erythrokeratoderma‐like findings have been rarely reported in CDS patients. Herein, we report clinical, histopathological and genetic findings of four patients with CDS presenting with different clinical forms of erythrokeratoderma (three with progressive symmetric erythrokeratoderma‐like features and one with erythrokeratoderma variabilis (EKV)‐like features), including one patient with a novel mutation in ABHD5. Although the typical skin finding of CDS syndrome is reported as non‐bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, CDS should also be in the differential diagnosis in patients with EKV‐like lesions.
Recurrent erythema multiforme‐like reaction secondary to recurrent poison ivy exposure
Authors: Mani Smrithi , Morris Lisa , Bayliss Susan J.
Published: June 2024

A 14‐year‐old boy developed an erythema multiforme‐like reaction following Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy) allergic contact dermatitis three separate times over the course of 3 years. The severity of each erythema multiforme‐like reaction corresponded to the severity of the allergic contact dermatitis which preceded it.
Past materials, past minds: The philosophy of cognitive paleoanthropology
Authors: Currie Adrian , Killin Anton , Lequin Mathilde , Meneganzin Andra , Pain Ross
Published: June 2024

The philosophy of cognitive paleoanthropology involves three related tasks: (1) asking what inferences might be drawn from the paleontological and archaeological records to past cognition, behavior and culture; (2) constructing synthetic accounts of the evolution of distinctive hominin capacities; (3) exploring how results from cognitive paleoanthropology might inform philosophy. We introduce some distinctive cognitive paleoanthropological inferences and discuss their epistemic standing, before considering how attention to the material records and the practice of paleoanthropology can inform and transform philosophical approaches.
Recommendations for data collection in cohort studies of preterm born individuals – The RECAP Preterm Core Dataset
Authors: Powell Charlotte , Bamber Deborah , Collins Helen E. , Draper Elizabeth S. , Manktelow Bradley , Kajante Eero , Cuttini Marina , Wolke Dieter , Maier Rolf F. , Zeitlin Jennifer , Johnson Samantha
Published: June 2024

Background

Preterm birth (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health and developmental outcomes relative to birth at term. Existing guidelines for data collection in cohort studies of individuals born preterm are either limited in scope, have not been developed using formal consensus methodology, or did not involve a range of stakeholders in their development. Recommendations meeting these criteria would facilitate data pooling and harmonisation across studies.

Objectives

To develop a Core Dataset for use in longitudinal cohort studies of individuals born preterm.

Methods

This work was carried out as part of the RECAP Preterm project. A systematic review of variables included in existing core outcome sets was combined with a scoping exercise conducted with experts on preterm birth. The results were used to generate a draft core dataset. A modified Delphi process was implemented using two stages with three rounds each. Three stakeholder groups participated: RECAP Preterm project partners; external experts in the field; people with lived experience of preterm birth. The Delphi used a 9‐point Likert scale. Higher values indicated greater importance for inclusion. Participants also suggested additional variables they considered important for inclusion which were voted on in later rounds.

Results

An initial list of 140 data items was generated. Ninety‐six participants across 22 countries participated in the Delphi, of which 29% were individuals with lived experience of preterm birth. Consensus was reached on 160 data items covering Antenatal and Birth Information, Neonatal Care, Mortality, Administrative Information, Organisational Level Information, Socio‐economic and Demographic information, Physical Health, Education and Learning, Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Social, Lifestyle and Leisure, Healthcare Utilisation and Quality of Life.

Conclusions

This core dataset includes 160 data items covering antenatal care through outcomes in adulthood. Its use will guide data collection in new studies and facilitate pooling and harmonisation of existing data internationally.
Police Cloud: Functional modularity in China's cloud public security infrastructure
Authors: Bernot Ausma
Published: June 2024

Globally, China's Ministry of Public Security has one of the largest appetites and regulatory scopes for new technology use in policing. Using the case study of Police Cloud—a cloud infrastructure project, this paper examines a national wave of cloud migration initiated in Shandong in 2013. Police Cloud began to tackle the deep‐rooted challenges of information sharing across all levels of government. The analysis draws upon a dual dataset of government documents (n = 10) and newspaper articles (n = 277), qualitatively triangulated with Chinese academic articles and grey literature. The findings show how the Ministry of Public Security's switch to platformization triggered an overall change in public security governance. Contrary to platform policing experiences in other parts of the world, the Ministry of Public Security adopted Police Cloud by aiming to retain autonomy and control over private providers. Police Cloud also began enabling functional modularity of surveillance elements of China's public security.
Examining the predictive utility of suicidal ideation characteristics in relation to real‐time monitoring of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts at follow‐up
Authors: Rogers Megan L. , Bozzay Melanie L. , Hughes Christopher D. , Schatten Heather T. , Armey Michael F.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Several characteristics of suicidal ideation, including frequency, duration, perceived controllability, and intensity, have been identified. The present study examined whether these characteristics of baseline suicidal ideation uniquely predicted (1) the severity, variability, and frequency of suicidal ideation assessed through real‐time monitoring; and (2) suicide attempts at 3‐week and 6‐month follow‐up among recently discharged psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

A sample of 249 adults (Mage = 40.43, 55.1% female, 91.4% White) completed a baseline assessment of their suicidal ideation characteristics during psychiatric hospitalization, five daily ecological momentary assessments (EMA) for 21 days following discharge, and follow‐up assessments of suicide‐related outcomes at 3‐week and 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Perceived controllability of suicidal thoughts was uniquely associated with the variability of EMA‐assessed suicidal ideation and the presence of suicide attempts at 3‐week, but not 6‐month follow‐up. No other characteristic of baseline suicidal ideation was uniquely associated with EMA‐assessed suicidal ideation or the presence of suicide attempts at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Given links between the perceived controllability of suicidal ideation and (1) momentary variability of suicidal ideation and (2) suicide attempts over the subsequent 3 weeks, perceived controllability of suicidal thinking may be a useful marker of short‐term risk that may be malleable to clinical intervention.
Heightened vigilance and its associations with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among 285 Korean transgender and nonbinary adults: Effect modification by connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community
Authors: Choo Sungsub , Kim Ranyeong , Lee Hyemin , Eom Yun‐Jung , Yi Horim , Kim Rockli , Williams David R. , Kim Seung‐Sup
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Anti‐transgender stigma presents threats of discrimination to transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals, prompting them to stay vigilant. Using a longitudinal data of 285 South Korean TGNB adults, we examined vigilance and its associations with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt and explored the protective role of connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.

Methods

Data were collected in October 2021 (baseline) and October 2022 (follow‐up). Vigilance was measured using the 4‐item Heightened Vigilance Scale at baseline. At follow‐up, 12‐month suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, and connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community were measured.

Results

Having heightened levels of vigilance was associated with increased prevalence of suicidal ideation (Prevalence Ratio [PR]: 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.09–1.62) and suicide attempt (PR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.23–3.86), after adjusting for covariates including anti‐transgender discrimination experiences and lifetime suicidality at baseline. When stratified by connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community, the associations between vigilance and suicidality remained statistically significant among those with low connectedness whereas no statistically significant association was observed among those with high connectedness.

Conclusion

The study provides empirical evidence for policies and interventions that ensure safety of TGNB individuals from discrimination and promote connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community to reduce the suicide risk among TGNB individuals.
Advancements in medical research: Exploring Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for tissue, cell, and hair sample analysis
Authors: Al‐Kelani Madeha , Buthelezi Ntandoyenkosi
Published: June 2024

Background

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful analytical tool in medical research, offering non‐invasive and precise examination of the molecular composition of biological samples. The primary objective of this review is to underscore the benefits of FTIR spectroscopy in medicinal research, emphasizing its ability to delineate molecular fingerprints and assist in the identification of biochemical structures and key peaks in biological samples.

Methods

This review comprehensively explores the diverse applications of FTIR spectroscopy in medical investigations, with a specific focus on its utility in analyzing tissue, cells, and hair samples. Various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, WorledCat and Scopus, were utilized to conduct this comprehensive literature review.

Results

Recent advancements showcase the versatility of FTIR spectroscopy in elucidating cellular and molecular processes, facilitating disease diagnostics, and enabling treatment monitoring. Notably, FTIR spectroscopy has found significant utility in clinical assessment, particularly in screening counterfeit medicines, owing to its user‐friendly operation and minimal sample preparation requirements. Furthermore, customs officials can leverage this technique for preliminary analysis of suspicious samples.

Conclusion

This review aims to bridge a gap in the literature and serve as a valuable resource for future research endeavors in FTIR spectroscopy within the medical domain. Additionally, it presents fundamental concepts of FTIR spectroscopy and spectral data interpretation, highlighting its utility as a tool for molecular analysis using Mid‐Infrared (MIR) radiation.
On the aspectual values of gradable predicates in Mandarin Chinese†
Authors: Woo I‐hao
Published: June 2024

This study presents a syntactic analysis of the different aspectual readings of a gradable predicate in Mandarin Chinese. It is argued that such predicates contain an uninterpretable/underspecified [α dynamic] feature that needs a value. To receive a value, the feature must be in a c‐command relation with a functional element. For example, a functional element like the degree adverb hen ‘very,’ which is in the head of the Degree Phrase, can assign the feature with a negative value, and the predicate has a stative reading. In contrast, a null atelic morpheme in the head of the Inner Aspect Phrase can give a plus value to the predicate and it has an atelic and dynamic reading. The present study also discusses the telic reading of the same kind of predicates functioning either as the main predicate or a secondary one. It is argued that a covert telic morpheme is responsible for the telic reading. The proposed analysis shows that a syntactic account is as plausible as a lexical one, providing a comprehensive understanding of the aspectual readings of gradable predicates in Mandarin Chinese.
The novel HLA‐B*40:550 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li Cheng‐long , An Lin , Ding Pei‐pei , Xue Han‐chun , Huang Xiao‐bing
Published: June 2024

HLA‐B*40:550 differs from HLA‐B*40:01:02:01 by one nucleotide in exon 1.
The novel HLA‐DPB1*1553:01 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao Bei‐Bei , Xia Xiao‐Fei , An Lin , Xue Han‐Chun , Zhang Cheng‐Tao
Published: June 2024

HLA‐DPB1*1553:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*09:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3.
The effect of type 1 diabetes protection and susceptibility associated HLA class II genotypes on DNA methylation in immune cells
Authors: Pahkuri Sirpa , Katayama Shintaro , Valta Milla , Nygård Lucas , Knip Mikael , Kere Juha , Ilonen Jorma , Lempainen Johanna ,   the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register
Published: June 2024

The HLA region, especially HLA class I and II genes, which encode molecules for antigen presentation to T cells, plays a major role in the predisposition to autoimmune disorders. To clarify the mechanisms behind this association, we examined genome‐wide DNA methylation by microarrays to cover over 850,000 CpG sites in the CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells of healthy subjects homozygous either for DRB1*15‐DQA1*01‐DQB1*06:02 (DR2‐DQ6, n = 14), associated with a strongly decreased T1D risk, DRB1*03‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 (DR3‐DQ2, n = 19), or DRB1*04:01‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*03:02 (DR4‐DQ8, n = 17), associated with a moderately increased T1D risk. In total, we discovered 14 differentially methylated CpG probes, of which 10 were located in the HLA region and six in the HLA‐DRB1 locus. The main differences were between the protective genotype DR2‐DQ6 and the risk genotypes DR3‐DQ2 and DR4‐DQ8, where the DR2‐DQ6 group was hypomethylated compared to the other groups in all but four of the differentially methylated probes. The differences between the risk genotypes DR3‐DQ2 and DR4‐DQ8 were small. Our results indicate that HLA variants have few systemic effects on methylation and that their effect on autoimmunity is conveyed directly by HLA molecules, possibly by differences in expression levels or function.
Understanding pre‐hospital disease management of fever and diarrhoea in children—Care pathways in rural Tanzania
Authors: Lamshöft Maike Maria , Liheluka Edwin , Ginski Greta , Lusingu John P. A. , Minja Daniel , Gesase Samwel , Mbwana Joyce , Gesase George , Rautman Lydia , Loag Wibke , May Jürgen , Dekker Denise , Krumkamp Ralf
Published: June 2024

Objective

Many children in sub‐Saharan Africa die from infectious diseases like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea that can be prevented by early diagnosis, effective and targeted treatment. This study aimed to gain insights into case management practices by parents before they present their children to hospital.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among 332 parents attending a district hospital with their under‐fives symptomatic with fever and/or diarrhoea between November 2019 and July 2020 in rural Tanzania. Timely and targeted treatment was defined as seeking health care within 24 h of fever onset, and continued fluid intake in case of diarrhoea.

Results

The main admission diagnoses were acute respiratory infections (61.8%), malaria (25.3%), diarrhoea (18.4%) and suspected sepsis (8.1%). The majority of children (91%) received treatment prior to admission, mostly antipyretics (75.6%), local herbal medicines (26.8%), and antibiotics (17.8%)—half of them without prescription from a clinician. For diarrhoea, the use of oral rehydration solution was rare (9.0%), although perceived as easily accessible and affordable. 49.4% of the parents presented their children directly to the hospital, 23.2% went to a pharmacy/drug shop and 19.3% to a primary health facility first. Malaria symptoms began mostly 3 days before the hospital visit; only 25.4% of febrile children visited any health facility within 24 h of disease onset. Prior use of local herbal medicine (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.4–7.3), visiting the pharmacy (adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–9.8), the dispensary being the nearest health facility (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5–6.2), and financial difficulties (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.5) were associated with delayed treatment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that antipyretics and antibiotics dispensed at pharmacies/drug shops, as well as use of local herbal medicines, delay early diagnosis and treatment, which can be life‐threatening. Pharmacies/drug shops could be integrated as key focal points for sensitising community members on how to respond to paediatric illnesses and encourage the use of oral rehydration solutions.