bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of oral frailty and its association with dietary variety, social engagement, and physical frailty: Results from the Oral Frailty 5‐Item Checklist
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Shirobe Maki , Motokawa Keiko , Tanaka Tomoki , Ikebe Kazunori , Ueda Takayuki , Minakuchi Shunsuke , Akishita Masahiro , Arai Hidenori , Iijima Katsuya , Sasai Hiroyuki , Obuchi Shuichi , Hirano Hirohiko
Published: February 2024

Aim

This cross‐sectional study had two aims: to assess the prevalence of oral frailty (OF), according to the Oral Frailty 5‐Item Checklist (OF‐5), among community‐dwelling older adults; and to examine the associations among oral frailty, dietary variety, social engagement, and physical frailty.

Methods

We pooled data from two population‐based studies (the Otassha Study and the Itabashi Longitudinal Study on Aging). With the OF‐5, OF is characterized by the presence of two or more of the following: (i) fewer teeth, (ii) difficulty in chewing, (iii) difficulty in swallowing, (iv) dry mouth, and (v) low articulatory oral motor skills. We calculated the OF prevalence for each sex. We assessed dietary variety, social engagement, and physical frailty. Generalized structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the associations among oral frailty, low dietary variety (dietary variety score ≤3), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale score <12), and physical frailty (Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study score ≥3).

Results

A total of 1206 individuals (626 women and 580 men) with a mean age of 74.7 years were included. The prevalence of OF was 36.7%, and it increased with age; however, there was no significant sex difference. OF was significantly indirectly associated with physical frailty via low dietary variety (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.97) and social isolation (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.94).

Conclusions

Two of five community‐dwelling older adults exhibited OF. Low dietary variety and social isolation are potential underlying mechanisms through which OF is indirectly associated with physical frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 371–377.
Finding reasons to choose a campus: The impact of social media and brand strategy
Authors: Nofrizal  , Juju Undang , Aznuriyandi
Published: February 2024

This study comprehensively identifies the determinants in students' campus selection decisions, emphasizing the crucial role of brand pride in the process. With the participation of 704 students in an online survey through the Google Forms platform and analysis using SEM‐SmartPLS 4.0 Structural Equation Modelling, this study presents a solid empirical foundation. The results confirm that social media and content marketing strategies are not just supporting tools, but play a significant role in building brand equity. In addition to being relevant for understanding the dynamics of student decisions, this research provides in‐depth insights into the optimization of university brand image through social media and content marketing. Its contribution is not only limited to the academic realm, but also has practical implications that can help universities increase institutional appeal through improving their marketing strategies.
‘It's quite a balancing act’: A qualitative study of parents' experiences and information needs related to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hartling Lisa , Elliott Sarah A. , Wright Kelsey S. , Knisley Lisa , Scott Shannon D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, parents and children faced significant challenges as a result of prevention measures implemented to control the spread of the disease. Ensuring that families have access to essential health information is critical for improving health outcomes and adherence to public health recommendations. Understanding parents' experiences and information needs related to the pandemic and associated health measures (e.g., vaccination, mask wearing, social distancing, etc.) will inform the development and dissemination of resources tailored to parents' needs to support informed decision making.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Between September and November 2021, parents across Canada were recruited online via social media and community organisation newsletters and listservs to participate in focus groups via Zoom. Focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire before the focus groups (via SimpleSurveys).

Results

Sixty‐seven parents participated in 12 focus groups between October and November 2021. In relation to experiences, parents felt they were (1) constantly trying to balance everything, and (2) trying to do their best with the information they had at the time when making decisions. Regarding information needs, parents reflected on (1) how difficult it was navigating copious amounts of changing information and finding credible sources to rely on, (2) the need for resources that were easily accessible, credible and in plain language and (3) the need for resources that were tailored to their needs to support them and their children make informed decisions.

Conclusions

Trying to mitigate the risk of COVID‐19 infection and adhere to public health recommendations, while balancing various factors (work, online learning, and social interactions) and navigating changing information, was overwhelming for many parents. Reflecting on their needs, parents suggested tailored resources that provided concise, credible information in plain language to help them make informed decisions and navigate conflicting information. These findings reveal important knowledge gaps and highlight areas that need to be addressed to support parents during the pandemic period and beyond.

Patient or Public Contribution

Members of our established Paediatric Parent Advisory Group (P‐PAG) were involved as collaborators throughout the planning (grant proposal), development and execution of the study. P‐PAG members gave input on the design of the questionnaire, interview guide, recruitment strategy and interpretation of findings.
A systematic review of Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite): evidence and recommendations for the body
Authors: Galadari Hassan , Guida Stefania
Published: February 2024

A filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite and carboxymethylcellulose gel (CaHA/CMC) has been shown to possess biostimulatory and skin‐tightening properties that have been applied not just to the face but also to the body to boost rejuvenation. Recently, evidence and recommendations for CaHA/CMC treatment of the face have been provided, but they are still lacking in terms of body treatment. This article aims to perform a systematic review of the literature on CaHA/CMC applications on the body and provide evidence from the literature. Currently, the only FDA‐approved indication on the body is treating the hands and a recent European Union Medical Device Regulation approval has been released for decolletage treatment. The application of hyperdilutions on the neck, feet, arms, thighs, abdomen, and other body parts has been proven to provide a skin‐tightening effect. However, despite their wide use with a good safety profile in clinical practice, recent trends and guidelines of diluted and hyperdiluted CaHA/CMC have yet to be supported by randomized controlled trials.
PlentiPlex™ MYD88 Waldenström lymphoma qPCR assay: A highly sensitive method for detection of MYD88 L265P mutation
Authors: Viscovo Marcello , Clemmensen Mia de Laurent , Fosso Federica , Maiolo Elena , Autore Francesco , Laurenti Luca , Hohaus Stefan , Chiusolo Patrizia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Agarose gel‐based conventional and real‐time allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) assays are currently used for sensitive detection and quantification of MYD88 L265P mutation. Visual inspection of an agarose gel can often be ambiguous. We propose a new allele‐specific quantification PCR (AS‐qPCR) assay, PlentiPlex™ MYD88 Waldenström lymphoma qPCR assay, that uses Intercalating Nucleic Acid (INA®) technology for increased affinity and specificity.

Methods

This study compares PlentiPlex™ MYD88 Waldenström lymphoma qPCR assay with conventional AS‐PCR. We included a total of 102 peripheral and bone marrow blood samples from 94 patients with a lymphoproliferative disorder. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used as a third method in case of discrepancy.

Results

A positive percent agreement of 100% (95% CI 0.92–1.0) and a negative percent agreement of 98% (95% CI 0.90–1.0) were found between the conventional AS‐PCR and the AS‐qPCR methods. Including the ddPCR results to validate the discrepant cases, the sensitivity and specificity of PlentiPlex™ MYD88 Waldenström lymphoma qPCR Assay were 1.0 (95% CI 0.97–1.0) and 1.0 (95% CI 0.96–1.0), respectively.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that PlentiPlex™ MYD88 Waldenström lymphoma qPCR assay is a fast, highly sensitive, and specific method for the detection of MYD88 L265P compared with conventional AS‐PCR.
Access to social rights under tension: The growing role of third‐party actors in dealing with the administrative burden and its implications
Authors: Rode Antoine
Published: February 2024

The digital transformation in the public sector is a converging trend in many social protection systems. In France, it is being combined with the gradual closure of many government offices, particularly those responsible for managing social security benefits. This article focuses on one of the consequences of these developments. They lead to an increase in requests for support and help from individuals experiencing administrative burdens. They make their requests to a range of very different local actors, who do not always have the skills or the responsibility to respond to them. Based on a study carried out in social centres in France, this article presents the role of third parties in reducing the administrative burden. More specifically, it investigates the types of costs associated with the administrative burden to which social centres have to respond, and who meets them. The article analyses the tensions posed by this growing role, which range from professional and organisational to political.
From hype to insight: Exploring ChatGPT's early footprint in education via altmetrics and bibliometrics
Authors: Wong Lung‐Hsiang , Park Hyejin , Looi Chee‐Kit
Published: February 2024

Background

The emergence of ChatGPT in the education literature represents a transformative phase in educational technology research, marked by a surge in publications driven by initial research interest in new topics and media hype. While these publications highlight ChatGPT's potential in education, concerns arise regarding their quality, methodology, and uniqueness.

Objective

Our study employs unconventional methods by combining altmetrics and bibliometrics to explore ChatGPT in education comprehensively.

Methods

Two scholarly databases, Web of Science and Altmetric, were adopted to retrieve publications with citations and those mentioned on social media, respectively. We used a search query, “ChatGPT,” and set the publication date between November 30th, 2022, and August 31st, 2023. Both datasets were within the education‐related domains. Through a filtering process, we identified three publication categories: 49 papers with both altmetrics and citations, 60 with altmetrics only, and 66 with citations only. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on all three lists of papers, further dividing the entire collection into three distinct periods. All the selected papers underwent detailed coding regarding open access, paper types, subject domains, and learner levels. Furthermore, we analysed the keywords occurring and visualized clusters of the co‐occurring keywords.

Results and Conclusions

An intriguing finding is the significant correlation between media/social media mentions and academic citations in ChatGPT in education papers, underscoring the transformative potential of ChatGPT and the urgency of its incorporation into practice. Our keyword analysis also reveals distinctions between the themes of the papers that received both mentions and citations and those that received only citations but no mentions. Additionally, we noticed a limitation that authors' choice of keywords might be influenced by individual subjective judgements, potentially skewing results in thematic analysis based solely on author‐assigned keywords such as keyword co‐occurrence analysis. Henceforth, we advocate for developing a standardized keyword taxonomy in the educational technology field and integrating Large Language Models to enhance keyword analysis in altmetric and bibliometric tools. This study reveals that ChatGPT in education literature is evolving from rapid publication to rigorous research.
Integrated analysis of single‐cell RNA‐seq and bulk RNA‐seq unravels the molecular feature of M2 macrophages of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Siyuan , Lv Xiaozhi , Wei Haigang , Wu Jialin , Liu Shiwei , Li Xia , Song Jing , Zou Chen , Ai Yilong
Published: February 2024

The connection between head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and M2 tumour‐associated macrophages is not yet fully understood. We gathered gene expression profiles and clinical data from HNSC patients in the TCGA database. Using Consensus Clustering, we categorized these patients into M2 macrophage‐related clusters. We developed a M2 macrophage‐related signature (MRS) through statistical analyses. Additionally, we assessed gene expression in HNSC cells using single‐cell sequencing data (GSE139324). We identified three distinct M2 macrophage‐related clusters in HNSC, each with different prognostic outcomes and immune characteristics. Patients with different MRS profiles exhibited variations in immune infiltration, genetic mutations and prognosis. FCGR2A may play a role in creating an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for HNSC. Our study demonstrated that M2 macrophage‐related genes significantly impact the development and progression of HNSC. The M2 macrophage‐related model offered a more comprehensive assessment of HNSC patient prognosis, genetic mutations and immune features. FCGR2A was implicated in immunosuppressive microenvironments and may hold promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for HNSC.
LIGHT protein: A novel gingival crevicular fluid biomarker associated with increased probing depth after periodontal surgery
Authors: Esberg Anders , Kindstedt Elin , Isehed Catrine , Lindquist Susanne , Holmlund Anders , Lundberg Pernilla
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate the protein profiles in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in relation to clinical outcomes after periodontal surgery and examine if any selected proteins affect the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human gingival fibroblasts.

Materials and Methods

This exploratory study included 21 consecutive patients with periodontitis. GCF was collected, and the protein pattern (n = 92) and clinical parameters were evaluated prior to surgery and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Fibroblastic gene expression was analysed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Surgical treatment reduced periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and changed the GCF protein pattern. Twelve months after surgery, 17% of the pockets showed an increase in PPD. Levels of a number of proteins in the GCF decreased after surgical treatment but increased with early signs of tissue destruction, with LIGHT being one of the proteins that showed the strongest association. Furthermore, LIGHT up‐regulated the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and MMP9 in human gingival fibroblasts.

Conclusions

LIGHT can potentially detect subjects at high risk of periodontitis recurrence after surgical treatment. Moreover, LIGHT induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and tissue‐degrading enzymes in gingival fibroblasts.
Maternal birth weight as an indicator of early and late gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Tagami Kazuma , Iwama Noriyuki , Hamada Hirotaka , Tomita Hasumi , Kudo Rie , Kumagai Natsumi , Wang Hongxin , Izumi Seiya , Watanabe Zen , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Tatsuta Nozomi , Metoki Hirohito , Ota Chiharu , Sugiyama Takashi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Arima Takahiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Saito Masatoshi ,   The Japan Environment and Children's Study Group
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal birth weight (MBW) with early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A total of 69318 pregnant Japanese women were included in this birth cohort study. The associations between maternal birth weight and early gestational diabetes mellitus (diagnosed at <24 gestational weeks) and late GDM (diagnosed at ≥24 gestational weeks) were investigated using a multinomial logistic regression model, with an maternal birth weight of 3000–3499 g as the reference category.

Results

Lower maternal birth weight was associated with higher odds of developing early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for early gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500–2999 g were 1.345 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.912–1.984) and 1.338 (95% CI: 1.098–1.629), respectively. The aORs for late gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500–2999 g were, 1.657 (95% CI: 1.298–2.115) and 1.218 (95% CI: 1.058–1.402), respectively.

Conclusions

Regardless of the gestational age when gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed, a lower maternal birth weight was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the association of a MBW <2500 g with late gestational diabetes mellitus tended to be stronger than that with early gestational diabetes mellitus.
Antibacterial activity in egg samples from small‐spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula and nursehound Scyliorhinus stellaris: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Martinengo Elena , Micarelli Primo , Reinero Francesca Romana , Bertelloni Fabrizio , Fratini Filippo
Published: February 2024

The study aims to identify antibacterial properties in unfertilized eggs of Scyliorhinus canicula and Scyliorhinus stellaris. Despite challenging marine conditions, these eggs retain their integrity for extended periods and remain unaffected by pathogens. The antibacterial activity was measured using minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration analysis. The eggs of S. stellaris exhibited a slight inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, whereas both species' eggs showed no activity against gram‐negative microorganisms.
Feasibility of new‐generation endocytoscopy for the real‐time diagnosis of ampullary lesions: A pilot study (with video)
Authors: Han Ming‐Lun , Wang Wen‐Lun , Lee Ching‐Tai , Hsieh Min‐Shu , Tsai Ming‐Chang , Chan Yi‐Chung , Chu Yu‐Long , Wang Hsiu‐Po
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

An early and accurate diagnosis of ampullary neoplasia is crucial; however, sampling bias is still a major concern. New‐generation endocytoscopy enables real‐time visualization of cellular structures and enables an accurate pathological prediction; however, its feasibility for small ampullary lesions has never been investigated.

Methods

We developed a novel endocytoscopic (EC) classification system for ampullary lesions after an expert review and agreement from five experienced endoscopists and one pathologist. We then consecutively enrolled a total of 43 patients with an enlarged ampulla (< 3 cm), all of whom received an endocytoscopic examination. The feasibility of endocytoscopy was evaluated, and the performance of the EC classification system was then correlated with the final histopathology.

Results

In five cases (11.6%), the endocytoscope could not approach the ampulla, and these cases were defined as technical failure. Among the remaining 38 patients, 8 had histopathology‐confirmed adenocarcinoma, 15 had adenoma, and 15 had non‐neoplastic lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the EC classification system to diagnose ampullary neoplasias were 95.7%, 86.7%, 91.7%, 92.9%, and 92.1%, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the EC classification to diagnose ampullary cancer were 62.5%, 100%, 100%, 90.9%, and 92.1%, respectively. One case with intra‐ampullary papillary–tubular carcinoma was classified as having a non‐neoplastic lesion by endocytoscopy.

Conclusions

Endocytoscopy and the novel EC classification system demonstrated good feasibility to discriminate ampullary neoplasias from non‐neoplastic lesions and may be useful for optical biopsies of clinically suspicious ampullary lesions.
miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid associated with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and pathway analysis using a data mining and machine learning approach
Authors: Pereira Jessica Diniz , Teixeira Lívia Cristina Ribeiro , Mamede Izabela , Alves Michelle Teodoro , Caramelli Paulo , Luizon Marcelo Rizzatti , Veloso Adriano Alonso , Gomes Karina Braga
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type and accounts for 60%–70% of the reported cases of dementia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene expression regulation. Although the diagnosis of AD is primarily clinical, several miRNAs have been associated with AD and considered as potential markers for diagnosis and progression of AD. We sought to match AD‐related miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) found in the GeoDataSets, evaluated by machine learning, with miRNAs listed in a systematic review, and a pathway analysis. Using machine learning approaches, we identified most differentially expressed miRNAs in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), which were validated by the systematic review, using the acronym PECO—Population (P): Patients with AD, Exposure (E): expression of miRNAs, Comparison (C): Healthy individuals, and Objective (O): miRNAs differentially expressed in CSF. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify the main pathways involving at least four miRNAs selected. Four miRNAs were identified for differentiating between patients with and without AD in machine learning combined to systematic review, and followed the pathways analysis: miRNA‐30a‐3p, miRNA‐193a‐5p, miRNA‐143‐3p, miRNA‐145‐5p. The pathways epidermal growth factor, MAPK, TGF‐beta and ATM‐dependent DNA damage response, were regulated by these miRNAs, but only the MAPK pathway presented higher relevance after a randomic pathway analysis. These findings have the potential to assist in the development of diagnostic tests for AD using miRNAs as biomarkers, as well as provide understanding of the relationship between different pathophysiological mechanisms of AD.

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Relationship between syringomyelia and myxomatous mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles spaniels
Authors: Bach Maiken B. T. , Stougaard Camilla L. , Thøfner Maria S. , Reimann Maria J. , Westrup Ulrik , Koch Jørgen , Fredholm Merete , Martinussen Torben , Berendt Mette , Olsen Lisbeth H.
Published: February 2024

Background

Syringomyelia (SM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are highly prevalent in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). Cardiac status in CKCS with and without SM is currently unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the association between SM and MMVD severity in CKCS and CKCS with SM with and without clinical signs of SM.

Animals

Fifty‐five CKCS: 40 with SM (22 symptomatic and 18 asymptomatic) and 15 without SM.

Methods

A combined retrospective and prospective study. MRI and echocardiography were used to diagnose SM and MMVD, respectively. The association between SM and MMVD severity (left ventricle internal diameter in diastole normalized to bodyweight [LVIDDN] and left atrium to aortic ratio [LA/Ao]) were tested using multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for sex and age.

Results

Overall, no significant difference in LVIDDN and LA/Ao was found between CKCS with or without SM. However, CKCS with symptomatic SM had significantly smaller LVIDDN (1.45 [1.30‐1.50]) (median [IQR]) and LA/Ao (1.20 [1.10‐1.28]) compared to CKCS with asymptomatic SM (1.60 [1.50‐1.90] and 1.40 [1.20‐1.75]) as well as CKCS without SM (0.24 [0.03‐0.45] and 0.30 [0.05‐0.56]) (all P values <.03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

An association between MMVD and SM was not confirmed in this cohort of CKCS, indicating that MMVD and SM do not co‐segregate. However, CKCS with symptomatic SM had smaller left ventricle and atrial size compared to CKCS with asymptomatic SM and CKCS without SM.
Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: Nurse anaesthetists' and specialist ICU nurses' experiences
Authors: Skoglund Karin , Bescher Milo , Ekwall Savannah , Hammar Lena Marmstål
Published: February 2024

Background

Intrahospital transport (IHT) is often performed by nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses. Studies have shown that IHT increases the risk of mortality and morbidity, with up to 71% negative incidents. Using checklists when preparing for an IHT is important. Several international guidelines exist to ensure IHT safety and reduce the risk of complications. However, existing guidelines are often problematic in clinical practice.

Aim

This study aimed to describe the experiences of nurse anaesthetists and specialized intensive care nurses during the IHT of adult patients with critical illnesses.

Study Design

This study adopted a mixed‐methods approach.

Methods

Data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 66 nurses with specialist education in anaesthesia or intensive care. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis, and the quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Two categories with two subcategories each emerged from the analysis of the responses of nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses regarding their IHT experiences: creating good circumstances (subcategories: being risk‐conscious and the importance of meticulous preparations) and the importance of routines and education (subcategories: following guidelines and having adequate training).

Conclusion

IHT was described as a high risk for patient safety and complications. Routines with good compliance and education can positively impact patient safety during IHT. Checklists and scenario training can better prepare nurse anaesthetists and specialist intensive care nurses to manage complications that may arise during IHT, resulting in safer patient care.

Relevance for Clinical Practice

The findings underscore the importance of written guidelines for IHT, emphasizing awareness and adherence by the entire team. Careful pre‐IHT preparations, coupled with an understanding of potential risks, are vital for ensuring patient safety. Clinical training and discussions following incidents during IHT play a crucial role in raising the collective awareness of patient safety within the entire team. Written guidelines about IHT are of utmost importance, and everyone in the team should be aware of and follow the guidelines. It is important to make careful preparations before IHT and to be aware of the possible risks to patient safety. Clinical training and discussions about IHT where patient safety has been impaired are important to increase the whole team's awareness of patient safety during IHT.
Public Healthcare Financing during Counterinsurgency Efforts: Evidence from Colombia*
Authors: Lordemus Samuel , Kreif Noemi , Moreno‐Serra Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

How do government counterinsurgency efforts affect local public health financing during civil conflicts? We investigate this question in the context of the protracted conflict in Colombia. Using data on antinarcotics operations and health transfers from the central government to municipal governments, we employ both panel estimations and an instrumental variable to address concerns of endogeneity. We first show evidence of a government discretionary power over the allocation of health transfers. We do not find evidence that counterinsurgency operations causally affect health transfers to municipalities. Our results rule out political alignment between mayors and the national governing party as an intermediary factor that could influence the flow of fiscal transfers in municipalities exposed to the conflict.
Self‐reported pain during different phases of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance: A multi‐centre randomized controlled trial in adolescents with crowding
Authors: Johansson Kristina , Matilainen Linda Bokander , Wiaderny Michal , Berlin Henrik , Klingberg Gunilla , Ghiasi Houda , Brechter Anna , Paulsson Liselotte
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare self‐reported pain levels across various treatment phases using passive self‐ligating (Damon) and conventional (Victory) standardized fixed appliance systems.

Materials and Methods

Adolescents (12–17 years old) with crowding and displaced teeth, planned for non‐extraction treatment, were recruited from four orthodontic clinics. They were randomized into stratified blocks (1:1 ratio) using concealed allocation to receive Damon Q™ (34 boys, 28 girls) or Victory™ (39 boys, 31 girls). Pain and analgesic intake were assessed on seven different occasions with validated self‐report questionnaires using a 10‐grade scale.

Results

Of the 132 patients included, six were lost to follow up. Clinically relevant mean pain scores (≥4) were registered in both groups after bonding upper and lower arches and after insertion of 0.019 × 0.025 stainless steel archwire. The highest mean scores were reported on day two after bonding the upper arch (Damon 5.96, Victory 7.18, P = .011). In both groups, at least 40% reported taking analgesics during various treatment phases. The Damon group reported a lower intake of analgesics on days one and two (P = .042 and .037) after treatment initiation. In the entire sample, boys reported significantly higher mean pain scores than girls on the second and third days after bonding (P = .008 and .026, respectively).

Conclusions

Lower pain levels were reported from the Damon group after bonding. In general, boys reported higher pain than girls did. Clinicians and adolescents need to be aware that clinically relevant pain levels can be expected not only after bonding but also in later phases.
Oil price shocks pass‐through to domestic prices in Nigeria
Authors: Orekoya Samuel , Adeniyi Oluwatosin , Tijani Idris
Published: February 2024

The study investigated the potential non‐linear impacts of fluctuations in oil prices on domestic prices in Nigeria. Utilising the non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, the study revealed the presence of asymmetry in the behaviour of domestic prices. Both forms of oil price shocks were observed to have a negative influence on domestic prices in the short term, with only positive oil price shocks demonstrating statistical significance. However, in the long run, a distinct pattern emerged where a decrease in oil prices significantly affected domestic prices. Additionally, analysis of VAR impulse response showed a consistently negative reaction of domestic prices to oil price shocks, falling below the steady‐state equilibrium. The study concluded that changes in oil prices, in conjunction with other macroeconomic variables, affected the prices of domestic goods in Nigeria, whether in the short or long term. This underscored the complexity of Nigeria's economic landscape. Consequently, it is advisable to prudently invest excess revenue generated from rising oil prices to mitigate the adverse impacts of negative oil shocks on the economy.
Allowable movement of wavefront‐guided contact lens corrections in normal and keratoconic eyes
Authors: Applegate Raymond A. , Hastings Gareth D. , Jiménez‐García Marta , Francis Sharon , Koppen Carina , Rozema Jos J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The goal was to use SyntEyes modelling to estimate the allowable alignment error of wavefront‐guided rigid contact lens corrections for a range of normal and keratoconic eye aberration structures to keep objectively measured visual image quality at or above average levels of well‐corrected normal eyes. Secondary purposes included determining the required radial order of correction, whether increased radial order of the corrections further constrained the allowable alignment error and how alignment constraints vary with keratoconus severity.

Methods

Building on previous work, 20 normal SyntEyes and 20 keratoconic SyntEyes were fitted with optimised wavefront‐guided rigid contact lens corrections targeting between three and eight radial orders that drove visual image quality, as measured objectively by the visual Strehl ratio, to near 1 (best possible) over a 5‐mm pupil for the aligned position. The resulting wavefront‐guided contact lens was then allowed to translate up to ±1 mm in the x‐ and y‐directions and rotate up ±15°.

Results

Allowable alignment error changed as a function of the magnitude of aberration structure to be corrected, which depends on keratoconus severity. This alignment error varied only slightly with the radial order of correction above the fourth radial order. To return the keratoconic SyntEyes to average levels of visual image quality depended on maximum anterior corneal curvature (Kmax). Acceptable tolerances for misalignment that returned keratoconic visual image quality to average normal levels varied between 0.29 and 0.63 mm for translation and approximately ±6.5° for rotation, depending on the magnitude of the aberration structure being corrected.

Conclusions

Allowable alignment errors vary as a function of the aberration structure being corrected, the desired goal for visual image quality and as a function of keratoconus severity.
Central venous catheter tip positioning using ultrasound in pediatric patients—A prospective observational study
Authors: Neumann Claudia , Breil Martin , Schild Amelie , Schenk Alina , Jakobs Patrick , Mikus Marian , Schindler Ehrenfried
Published: February 2024

Background

In children, central venous catheter (CVC) placement is usually performed under ultrasound guidance for optimal visualization of vessels and reduction of puncture‐related complications. Nevertheless, in many cases, additional radiographic examinations are performed to check the position of the catheter tip.

Aim

The primary objective of this observational feasibility study was to determine the number of ultrasound‐guided central venous catheter tips that can be identified in a subsequent position check using ultrasonography. Furthermore, we investigated the optimal ultrasound window, time expenditure, and success rate concerning puncture attempts and side effects. In addition, we compared the calculated and real insertion depths and analyzed the position of the catheter tip on postoperative radiographs with the tracheal bifurcation as a traditional landmark.

Methods

Ninety children with congenital heart defects who required a central venous line for cardiac surgery were included in this single‐center study. After the insertion of the catheter, the optimal position of its tip was controlled using one of four predefined ultrasound windows. A chest radiograph was obtained postoperatively in accordance with hospital standards to check the catheter tip position determined by ultrasonography.

Results

The children had a median (IQR) age of 11.5 (4.0, 58.8) months and a mean (SD) BMI of 15.3 (2.91) kg/m2 Ultrasound visualization of the catheter tip was successful in 86/90 (95.6%) children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.3%, 99.8%). Postoperative radiographic examination showed that the catheter tip was in the desired position in 94.4% (95% CI: 89.7%, 99.2%) of the cases. None of the children needed the catheter tip position being corrected based on chest radiography.

Conclusion

Additional radiation exposure after the placement of central venous catheters can be avoided with the correct interpretation of standardized ultrasound windows, especially in vulnerable children with cardiac disease.
ScRNA‐seq reveals dark‐ and light‐induced differentially expressed gene atlases of seedling leaves in Arachis hypogaea L.
Authors: Deng Quanqing , Du Puxuan , Gangurde Sunil S. , Hong Yanbin , Xiao Yuan , Hu Dongxiu , Li Haifen , Lu Qing , Li Shaoxiong , Liu Haiyan , Wang Runfeng , Huang Lu , Wang Wenyi , Garg Vanika , Liang Xuanqiang , Varshney Rajeev K. , Chen Xiaoping , Liu Hao
Published: February 2024

Although the regulatory mechanisms of dark and light‐induced plant morphogenesis have been broadly investigated, the biological process in peanuts has not been systematically explored on single‐cell resolution. Herein, 10 cell clusters were characterized using scRNA‐seq‐identified marker genes, based on 13 409 and 11 296 single cells from 1‐week‐old peanut seedling leaves grown under dark and light conditions. 6104 genes and 50 transcription factors (TFs) displayed significant expression patterns in distinct cell clusters, which provided gene resources for profiling dark/light‐induced candidate genes. Further pseudo‐time trajectory and cell cycle evidence supported that dark repressed the cell division and perturbed normal cell cycle, especially the PORA abundances correlated with 11 TFs highly enriched in mesophyll to restrict the chlorophyllide synthesis. Additionally, light repressed the epidermis cell developmental trajectory extending by inhibiting the growth hormone pathway, and 21 TFs probably contributed to the different genes transcriptional dynamic. Eventually, peanut AHL17 was identified from the profile of differentially expressed TFs, which encoded protein located in the nucleus promoted leaf epidermal cell enlargement when ectopically overexpressed in Arabidopsis through the regulatory phytohormone pathway. Overall, our study presents the different gene atlases in peanut etiolated and green seedlings, providing novel biological insights to elucidate light‐induced leaf cell development at the single‐cell level.
Switching perspectives: The roles of plant cellular reprogramming during nematode parasitism
Authors: Guarneri Nina , Schwelm Arne , Goverse Aska , Smant Geert
Published: February 2024

Summary statement

We propose exploring plant biotrophic parasitism from both a pathogen‐centred and a plant‐centred perspective. This can generate novel research questions and reveal common plant mitigation strategies in response to biotrophic pathogens.
Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus: Expanded host range, response ofPassifloraspp. plants to infection and transmission byBemisia tabaciMEAM1
Authors: Chinelato Gressa Amanda , Favara Gabriel Madoglio , Ferro Camila Geovana , Bello Vinicius Henrique , de Oliveira Felipe Franco , Kraide Heron Delgado , Spadotti David Marques de Almeida , Junqueira Nilton Tadeu Vilela , Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques
Published: February 2024

Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV) is a begomovirus transmitted byBemisia tabaciMiddle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), associated with severe disease in passion flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of plants of different species ofPassiflorato infection with PSLDV, expand the known host range of the virus and determine the minimum virus acquisition and inoculation access periods and the time of virus retention byB. tabaciMEAM1. Plants ofPassiflora cincinnata,P. mucronataandP. malacophyllawere not infected with PSLDV through transmission withB. tabaciMEAM1. When healthy plants of these species were fork grafted onto PSLDV‐infected plants ofP. edulis, only plants ofP. malacophyllaremained uninfected and the virus was not detected by PCR, suggesting immunity to this begomovirus. Plants ofDatura stramonium,Nicotiana benthamiana,N. clevelandii,N. tabacum‘Xanthi’,Solanum lycopersicum(tomato cv. Compack) and several varieties ofManihot esculenta(cassava cvs IAC 118‐96, IAC 6‐01, Paranavaí, IAC 576, IAC 90 and IAC 14) were susceptible to infection with PSLDV through transmission withB. tabaciMEAM1. Adults ofB.tabaciMEAM1 acquired PSLDV after 1 h of feeding on PSLDV‐infected plants ofD.stramonium.They transmitted the virus to healthy plants after feeding on these plants for 1 h, although with low transmission rates. The retention time of PSLDV in the vector was 14 days.
Evaluating the Distributive Incidence of Growth Using Cross‐sections and Panels
Authors: Berman Yonatan , Bourguignon François
Published: February 2024

We study decennial anonymous and non‐anonymous growth incidence curves in the United States during the past 50 years. The former show income growth by quantile independent of initial incomes and are typically upward sloping, reflecting increasing inequality. The latter are conditional on initial ranks and are flat or downward sloping. This suggests distributional neutrality of growth when accounting for initial income positions. We explain this difference by decomposing the non‐anonymous curves into mobility and shape components. The former is always downward sloping, whereas the latter is upward sloping in periods of increasing inequality. Thus, flat non‐anonymous curves can be observed even with increasing inequality. We exploit the decomposition to show that the slope of non‐anonymous curves in the United States is determined by the evolution of cross‐sectional income distributions. This enables inferring the shape of non‐anonymous curves from cross‐sectional data and test them for a generalized pro‐poorness social welfare criterion.
Power and culture: Understanding EU policies on agriculture and gender equality
Authors: Shortall Sally , Marangudakis Vangelis
Published: February 2024

In this article, we examine how the European Union (EU) acts as an international organisation, developing policies to be implemented by national governments. We focus on agriculture and gender equality. We examine the relationship between the EU and Member States regarding the construction and delivery of policies. It is a complex process, with differential levels of power and other actors in the process, notably lobby groups. We examine how agricultural policies and gender equality policies are developed. We examine the 2014–2020 Rural Development Regulation and carried out research in four member states. Interviews were undertaken with people who have experience of implementing the Common Agricultural Policy measures at a national level. We find the power of key players to be very strong in the agricultural context and weak in the gender context. When the two fields are ‘married’, we find there is little scope or interest to advance gender equality measures in agricultural policy.
Hyperspectral imaging‐based erythema classification in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kye Seula , Lee Onseok
Published: February 2024

Background/Purpose

Among the characteristics that appear in the epidermis of the skin, erythema is primarily evaluated through qualitative scales, such as visual assessment (VA). However, VA is not ideal because it relies on the experience and skill of dermatologists. In this study, we propose a new evaluation method based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to improve the accuracy of erythema diagnosis in clinical settings and investigate the applicability of HSI to skin evaluation.

Methods

For this study, 23 subjects diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were recruited. The inside of the right arm is selected as the target area and photographed using a hyperspectral camera (HS). Subsequently, based on the erythema severity visually assessed by a dermatologist, the severity classification performance of the RGB and HS images is compared.

Results

Erythema severity is classified as high when using (i) all reflectances of the entire HSI band and (ii) a combination of color features (R of RGB, a* of CIEL*a*b*) and five selected bands through band selection. However, as the number of features increases, the amount of calculation increases and becomes inefficient; therefore, (ii), which uses only seven features, is considered to perform classification more efficiently than (i), which uses 150 features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we demonstrate that HSI can be applied to erythema severity classification, which can further increase the accuracy and reliability of diagnosis when combined with other features observed in erythema. Additionally, the scope of its application can be expanded to various studies related to skin pigmentation.
Hydrotropism mechanisms and their interplay with gravitropism
Authors: Wexler Yonatan , Schroeder Julian I. , Shkolnik Doron
Published: February 2024

Plants partly optimize their water recruitment from the growth medium by directing root growth toward a moisture source, a phenomenon termed hydrotropism. The default mechanism of downward growth, termed gravitropism, often functions to counteract hydrotropism when the water‐potential gradient deviates from the gravity vector. This review addresses the identity of the root sites in which hydrotropism‐regulating factors function to attenuate gravitropism and the interplay between these various factors. In this context, the function of hormones, including auxin, abscisic acid, and cytokinins, as well as secondary messengers, calcium ions, and reactive oxygen species in the conflict between these two opposing tropisms is discussed. We have assembled the available data on the effects of various chemicals and genetic backgrounds on both gravitropism and hydrotropism, to provide an up‐to‐date perspective on the interactions that dictate the orientation of root tip growth. We specify the relevant open questions for future research. Broadening our understanding of root mechanisms of water recruitment holds great potential for providing advanced approaches and technologies that can improve crop plant performance under less‐than‐optimal conditions, in light of predicted frequent and prolonged drought periods due to global climate change.
The automorphism group of the quantum grassmannian
Authors: Launois S. , Lenagan T. H.
Published: February 2024

The automorphism group of a quantised coordinate algebra is usually much smaller than that of its classical counterpart. Nevertheless, these automorphism groups are often very difficult to calculate. In this paper, we calculate the automorphism group of the quantum grassmannian in the case that the deformation parameter is not a root of unity. The main tool employed is the dehomogenisation equality which shows that a localisation of the quantum grassmannian is equal to a skew Laurent extension of quantum matrices. This equality is used to connect the automorphism group of the quantum grassmannian with that of quantum matrices, where the automorphism group is known.
On the ∞$\infty$‐topos semantics of homotopy type theory
Authors: Riehl Emily
Published: February 2024

Many introductions to homotopy type theory and the univalence axiom gloss over the semantics of this new formal system in traditional set‐based foundations. This expository article, written as lecture notes to accompany a three‐part mini course delivered at the Logic and Higher Structures workshop at CIRM‐Luminy, attempt to survey the state of the art, first presenting Voevodsky's simplicial model of univalent foundations and then touring Shulman's vast generalization, which provides an interpretation of homotopy type theory with strict univalent universes in any ‐topos. As we will explain, this achievement was the product of a community effort to abstract and streamline the original arguments as well as develop new lines of reasoning.