bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating steady-state evoked potentials in the limit of short data duration and low stimulation frequency
Authors: Buiatti Marco , Saretta Davide
Published: May 2024

Because of their high signal-to-noise ratio and robustness to artifacts, Steady-State Evoked Potentials (SSEP) - the periodic responses elicited by periodic stimulation designs - are increasingly used in human neuroscience for measuring stimulus-specific brain responses in a short presentation time. While widely applied to measure sensory responses with stimulation frequencies higher than 8 Hz, they are also successful to investigate high-order processes and/or early development characterized by slower time scales, requiring very low stimulation frequencies around 1 Hz. However, applications of these low frequency paradigms on developmental or clinical populations, typically relying on very short data recordings, pose a methodological challenge for SSEP estimation. Here we tackled this challenge by investigating the method of analysis that most efficiently compute SSEP at low stimulation frequencies in the limit of short data, and by estimating the minimum data length necessary to obtain a reliable response. We compared the performance of the three most commonly used measures of SSEP (power spectrum (PS), evoked power spectrum (EPS) and inter-trial coherence (ITC)) at progressively shorter data segments both on simulated data and on EEG responses to on-off checkerboard stimulation at two ‘low’ frequencies (4 Hz and 0.8 Hz). Results, consistent between simulated and real data, show that while for long data length EPS and ITC outperform PS, for short data length the three measures are equivalent, and the crucial parameter is the length of the sliding window over which each measure is computed: the longer the better for PS and EPS, whereas the opposite occurs for ITC. For the analysed dataset, the shortest data length required to estimate a reliable SSEP is as short as 8 cycles of stimulation, independently from the stimulation frequency. This study provides practical indications for reliable and efficient application of low-frequency SSEP designs on short data recordings.
Younger adult brain utilizes interhemispheric strategy of recruiting ipsilateral dorsal premotor cortex for complex finger movement, but not aging brain
Authors: Miura Gen , Morita Tomoyo , Park Jihoon , Naito Eiichi
Published: May 2024

The ipsilateral sensorimotor cortices (dorsal premotor cortex [PMd], primary motor cortex [M1], primary somatosensory cortex [S1], and superior parietal cortex of Area 2) are often activated when the healthy younger and older adult brains perform complex finger movements. Prompted by clinical evidence that the ipsilateral PMd plays particularly important roles to complement the movements after stroke, we tested whether the ipsilateral PMd also plays particularly important (complementary) roles among the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortices when healthy younger adults perform a complex motor task by augmenting interhemispheric functional connectivity with the contralateral sensorimotor cortices. We also examined possible strategic difference when older adults with degraded interhemispheric inhibition perform the complex task when compared to younger adults with mature one.

We addressed these questions by measuring brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging while healthy right-handed younger and older adults performed simple (button pressing with the right index finger) and complex (stick rotation requiring coordination between the right fingers) motor tasks.

In younger group, the ipsilateral PMd, S1, Area 2 activated during the complex task, while the ipsilateral M1 remained deactivated as in the simple task, suggesting an existence of interregional difference. The ipsilateral PMd and S1/Area 2 more activated in the individuals with less dexterous performance. The anterior ipsilateral PMd enhanced interhemispheric functional coupling consistently with all of the contralateral sensorimotor cortices during the complex task. In contrast, in older group, all of the ipsilateral cortices including the M1 activated during the complex task, however, none of the cortices showed performance-related activity change. Increase in functional connectivity within the contralateral sensorimotor cortices rather than interhemispheric connectivity was observed during the complex task.

The results suggest the importance and complementary role of the ipsilateral PMd for complex finger movement in the younger brains, and the strategic difference (interhemispheric vs. intrahemispheric) when the younger and aging brains perform the movement.
Complimentary vertebrateWacmodels exhibit phenotypes relevant to DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome
Authors: Lee Kang-Han , Stafford April M , Pacheco-Vergara Maria , Cichewicz Karol , Canales Cesar P , Seban Nicolas , Corea Melissa , Rahbarian Darlene , Bonekamp Kelly E. , Gillie Grant R. , Pacheco-Cruz Dariangelly , Gill Alyssa M , Hwang Hye-Eun , Uhl Katie L , Jager Tara E , Shinawi Marwan , Li Xiaopeng , Obenaus Andre , Crandall Shane , Jeong Juhee , Nord Alex , Kim Cheol-Hee , Vogt Daniel
Published: May 2024

Monogenic syndromes are associated with neurodevelopmental changes that result in cognitive impairments, neurobehavioral phenotypes including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and seizures. Limited studies and resources are available to make meaningful headway into the underlying molecular mechanisms that result in these symptoms. One such example is DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome (DESSH), a rare disorder caused by pathogenic variants in theWACgene. Individuals with DESSH syndrome exhibit a recognizable craniofacial gestalt, developmental delay/intellectual disability, neurobehavioral symptoms that include autism, ADHD, behavioral difficulties and seizures. However, no thorough studies from a vertebrate model exist to understand how these changes occur. To overcome this, we developed both murine and zebrafishWac/wacdeletion mutants and studied whether their phenotypes recapitulate those described in individuals with DESSH syndrome. We show that the twoWacmodels exhibit craniofacial and behavioral changes, reminiscent of abnormalities found in DESSH syndrome. In addition, each model revealed impacts to GABAergic neurons and further studies showed that the mouse mutants are susceptible to seizures, changes in brain volumes that are different between sexes and relevant behaviors. Finally, we uncovered transcriptional impacts ofWacloss of function that will pave the way for future molecular studies into DESSH. These studies begin to uncover some biological underpinnings of DESSH syndrome and elucidate the biology ofWac, with advantages in each model.
Effects of trauma quality improvement program implementation on mortality: A nonrandomized controlled trial
Authors: Berg Johanna , David Siddarth , Bakhshi Girish D. , Basak Debojit , Chatterjee Shamita , Soni Kapil Dev , Ekelund Ulf , Felländer-Tsai Li , Joshipura Manjul , Khan Tamal , Khajanchi Monty , L N Mohan , Mishra Anurag , Petzold Max , Rajan Sendhil , Roy Nobhojit , Singh Rajdeep , Wärnberg Martin Gerdin
Published: May 2024

Importance

Trauma causes over four million deaths annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. Implementing trauma quality improvement programs may improve outcomes, and though extensively used, high-quality evidence of their effectiveness is scarce.

Aim

To assess if implementing a trauma quality improvement program using on audit filters improves trauma patients’ outcomes.

Design

A controlled interrupted time-series study.

Setting

Prospective, multicenter study across four tertiary care hospitals in urban India between 2017-2022.

Participants

Adult patients admitted to participating hospitals with history a of trauma, defined as having any of the external causes listed in block V01-Y36, chapter XX of the ICD-10 as reason for admission.

Intervention

In the intervention arm (two hospitals), a trauma quality improvement program using audit filters was implemented after a one-year observation period. The control arm (two hospitals) continued baseline data collection without intervention throughout the study period.

Main outcomes

All-cause mortality (in-hospital and at 30 days). For time series analysis, segmented regression with a generalized additive model (GAM) assessed the effect on in-hospital mortality. Secondary analysis using difference-in-differences and linear regression assessed in-hospital and 30-day mortality. The study was not powered for time series analysis on 30-day mortality.

Results

We included 10143 patients, median age 35 (IQR 26 – 50), 83% men and found a crude 8% reduction(95% CI -11% to -5.3%, p<0.001)in in-hospital mortality and 14% reduction(95% CI -18% to -9.6%, p<0.001)in 30-day mortality in the intervention arm. Using time series analysis, we observed a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality(32% vs 24%; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.4-0.77, p<0.001)in the intervention arm, with no significant change in the control arm. Difference-in-differences analysis found a significant reduction in 30-day mortality(39% vs 26%; DiD estimate -0.15 95% CI -0.19 to -0.11, p<0.001)and in-hospital mortality(32% vs 24%; DiD estimate -0.12 95% CI -0.16 to -0.09, p<0.001). However, external factors such as the opening of a dedicated trauma center at one intervention hospital and the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced these results.

Conclusion

Implementing a trauma quality improvement program using audit filters may reduce mortality. More research is needed to confirm these findings across different settings and to understand by which mechanisms these programs mediate the effect and ensure sustainability in terms of improving outcomes.

Trial registration

Trauma Audit Filter Trial, ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT03235388,https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03235388
Age-related differences in rejection rates, infections and tacrolimus exposure in pediatric kidney transplant recipients – a benchmark study of the CERTAIN registry
Authors: Baghai Arassi Maral , Feißt Manuel , Krupka Kai , Awan Atif , Benetti Elisa , Duzova Ali , Guzzo Isabella , Kim Jon Jin , König Sabine , Litwin Mieczysław , Oh Jun , Bücher Anja , Pape Lars , Peruzzi Licia , Shenoy Mohan , Testa Sara , Weber Lutz T. , Zieg Jakub , Höcker Britta , Fichtner Alexander , Tönshoff Burkhard
Published: May 2024

Background

Data on age-related differences in rejection rates, infectious episodes and tacrolimus exposure in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (pKTR) on a uniform tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen are scarce.

Methods

We therefore performed a large-scale analysis of 802 pKTR from the CERTAIN registry from 40 centers in 14 countries. Inclusion criteria were a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen and at least two years of follow-up. The patient population was divided into three age groups (infants <6 years, school-aged children 6-12 years, and adolescents >12 years) to assess age-related differences in outcome.

Results

Median follow-up was 48 months (IQR, 36-72). Within the first 2 years post-transplant, infants had a significantly higher incidence of infections (80.6% vs. 55.0% in adolescents, P<0.001) and a significantly higher number of cumulative hospital days (median 13 days vs. 7 days in adolescents, P < 0.001). Adolescents had a significantly higher rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes in the first year post-transplant (21.7%) than infants (12.6%, P=0.007). Infants had significantly lower tacrolimus trough levels, lower concentration-to-dose ratios as an approximation for higher tacrolimus clearance, and higher intra-patient variability (all P < 0.01) than adolescents.

Conclusions

This largest study to date in European pKTR on a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen shows important age-related differences in rejection rates, infection episodes, tacrolimus exposure and clearance. These data suggest that immunosuppressive therapy in pKTR should be tailored according to the age-specific risk profiles of this heterogeneous patient population.
Sickle hemoglobinopathy research in Zimbabwe and Zambia (SHAZ): Protocol for setting up an international Sickle Cell Disease registry
Authors: Kuona Patience , Kandawasvika Gwendoline Q , Chunda-Liyoka Catherine , Ruredzo Ian M , Sambo Pauline M , Gorejena-Chidawanyika Pamela , Mantina Hamakwa M , Mtisi Takudzwa J , Phiri Cynthia , Chikara Lawson , Kaweme Natasha M , Chivige Exavior , Namushi Jombo , Maborekeke Tendai , Uthale Uma H , Masimirembwa Collen
Published: May 2024

Of the 500 000 children born with sickle cell disease annually, most cases occur in Africa, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality associated with limited sickle cell disease (SCD) health outcomes data and reduced access to therapeutic plus preventive care. We aim to develop and manage a standardized electronic SCD registry, establish consistent standards of care (SoC) for patients, improve the SCD research and biobanking capacity in Zimbabwe and Zambia. This five-year program employs mixed methods that include infrastructure and skilled manpower capacity building of SCD clinics, registry, biobanking, cohort and implementation science research studies to improve SCD treatment outcomes. We are collaborating with the SickleInAfrica consortium (Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa), the African Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Technology (AiBST) and St Jude’s Children Research Hospital. We established the SCD registry in Zimbabwe and Zambia for children and adult patients enrolling 1796/4000 (45%) participants to date. We are participating in SickleInAfrica consortium research activities, training health workers and educating SCD patient communities on SoC. This collaboration with African researchers, policymakers, health workers, and SCD patient communities will improve uptake of SCD SoC and increase our research capacity.
Efficient calculation of unbiased atomic forces in
ab initio
variational Monte Carlo
Authors: Nakano Kousuke , Casula Michele , Tenti Giacomo
Published: May 2024

quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) is a state-of-the-art numerical approach for evaluating accurate expectation values of many-body wave functions. However, one of the major drawbacks that still hinders widespread QMC applications is the lack of an affordable scheme to compute unbiased atomic forces. In this study, we propose an efficient method to obtain unbiased atomic forces and pressures in the variational Monte Carlo (VMC) framework with the Jastrow-correlated Slater determinant ansatz or the Jastrow antisymmetrized geminal power ansatz, exploiting the gauge-invariant and locality properties of their geminal representation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method for H2 and Cl2 molecules and for the cubic boron nitride crystal. Our framework has a better algorithmic scaling with the system size than the traditional finite-difference method and, in practical applications, is as efficient as single-point VMC calculations. Thus, it paves the way to study dynamical properties of materials, such as phonons, and is beneficial for pursuing more reliable machine-learning interatomic potentials based on unbiased VMC forces.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cold isospin asymmetric baryonic rich matter in nonlocal NJL-like models
Authors: Carlomagno J. P. , Gómez Dumm D. , Scoccola N. N.
Published: May 2024

We study the features of low energy strong interactions for a system at zero temperature and finite baryon and isospin chemical potentials, in the framework of a Nambu–Jona-Lasinio-like model that includes nonlocal four-point interactions. We analyze the phase transitions corresponding to chiral symmetry restoration and pion condensation, comparing our results with those obtained from local NJL-like models and lattice QCD calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Far-from-equilibrium slow modes and momentum anisotropy in an expanding plasma
Authors: Brewer Jasmine , Ke Weiyao , Yan Li , Yin Yi
Published: May 2024

The momentum distribution of particle production in heavy-ion collisions encodes information about thermalization processes in the early-stage quark-gluon plasma. We use kinetic theory to study the far-from-equilibrium evolution of an expanding plasma with an anisotropic momentum-space distribution. We identify slow and fast degrees of freedom in the far-from-equilibrium plasma from the evolution of moments of this distribution. At late times, the slow modes correspond to hydrodynamic degrees of freedom and are naturally gapped from the fast modes by the inverse of the relaxation time, τR−1. At early times, however, there are an infinite number of slow modes with a gap inversely proportional to time, τ−1. From the evolution of the slow modes we generalize the paradigm of the far-from-equilibrium attractor to vector and tensor components of the energy-momentum tensor, and even to higher moments of the distribution function that are not part of the hydrodynamic evolution. We predict that initial-state momentum anisotropy decays slowly in the far-from-equilibrium phase and may persist until the relaxation time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The four frames of leadership and motivating language theory: Version 2.0
Authors: Holmes William T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to increase the clarity and application of the original model and integration table. Specifically, the intent was to increase clarity by highlighting elements left out of the original article (sentence frames), adding additional information on the medium of leadership practice through the addition of Bolman and Deal's leadership lessons, and improving the flow and structure of leader steps as leaders move across the model in the leader sequence of events. Finally, the model was tweaked to adjust the political frame across both direction-giving and empathetic language based on participant feedback and a literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this conceptual paper is to continue the evolution of the integration of the Four-Frames and Motivating Language Theory (MLT) first presented in DLO in 2019 using updated literature from Bolman and Deal (2019, 2021) and feedback from real-world implementation of the contents from the original article.

Findings

The findings of this conceptual paper are in two forms. First, the Version 2.0 integration model illustrates greater clarity and an improved sequence for implementation by leaders to address the pressing issues they face. Second, the illustration of the sentence frames and their evolution from the original article (2019) to the current paper highlights the power and integration of the Four-Frames and Motivating Language Theory regarding their versatility and utilization as a critical thinking and teaching tool for leaders and organizations.

Practical implications

For practitioners, this conceptual paper provides additional information on how to implement the Four-Frames as leaders through the power and influence of leadership communication and action.

Originality/value

The value of the Version 2.0 integrated model continues to leverage the combination of the Four Frames and Motivating Language Theory, which is still unique in the research. This evolution of the integration creates greater clarity in terms of understanding and utilizing leadership, connecting and sequencing the Four-Frames and MLT together, and applying the Four-Frame(s) accurately. This article continues to extend the field of Motivating Language Theory and addresses a gap in the work of the Four Frames – communication.
Returns from herding as a function of the social network of agents: a simulation study
Authors: Hazarika Ishan Kashyap , Yadav Ashutosh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study combines different perspectives on herding, viewing it as a social network heuristic in comparison to other heuristics. The purpose is to use the heuristic view of herding as found in early literature and test it on grounds of efficiency and payoff, in essence, combining the heuristic and rational agent view of herding. The simulated double auction setting includes agents embedded in a social network, allowing for an examination of herding alongside rational behaviour and imperfect signals.

Design/methodology/approach

In each round of the simulation, levels of homophily, density and fractions of types of agents is set and agents are allowed to follow their respective heuristics under those conditions. Characteristics of the social network, such as the size, levels of different homophilies, density and fractions of different types of agents are varied randomly to gauge their effect on the performance of herders vis-à-vis others and the overall market efficiency through simulation based approach. The data used for the study has been developed in Python and linear models are estimated using R.

Findings

Herding decreases total surplus in private value double auctions, but herders are not worse off than other agents and perform equally in common value auctions. Further, herders and random offerers reduce payoffs of other agents as well, and herding effects the surplus per transaction and not the quantum.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores herding as a strategic behaviour coexisting with rationality and other strategies in specific circumstances. It presents intriguing findings on the impact of herding on individual outcomes and market efficiency, raising new avenues for future research. Implication to research includes a dent on the “sieve” argument of markets rooting out irrationality and from it, a policy implication that follows is the need for corrective measures as markets cannot self-correct this, given herders do not perform worse than others.

Originality/value

The study links the phenomenon of herding to the dynamics of social networks and heuristic-based learning mechanisms that sets apart this research from the majority of existing literature, which predominantly conceptualizes herding as an outcome derived from a perfect Bayesian Equilibrium and a rational learning process.
Three research method approaches: musharaka financing performance model in Indonesian Islamic banks
Authors: Roziq Ahmad , Shulthoni Moch , Anugerah Eza Gusti , Mawardi Ahmad Ahsin Kusuma , Prasetyo Whedy
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to create a model of musharaka financing performance and Islamicizing agency theory to explain issues related to musharaka financing and propose solutions to these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on Islamic banks located in East Java Province, Indonesia, as the population for investigation. This study used primary data collected through a questionnaire instrument. The research adopts a mixed method approach, integrating quantitative data using the smartPLS program, qualitative data using a case study and kasyif research.

Findings

This research revealed that employee competence, Islamic business ethics and monitoring significantly impact the risk of musharaka financing. In contrast, information asymmetry does not significantly influence the risk of musharaka financing in Islamic banks. On the contrary, information asymmetry, Islamic business ethics and monitoring significantly affect the performance of musharaka financing. However, employee competence and risk of musharaka financing do not significantly influence the performance of musharaka financing in Islamic banks.

Research limitations

The responses to the questionnaire are analyzed from the perspective of directors and financing managers of Islamic banks who possess expertise in management and act as financing providers. However, musharaka partners who receive financing may have different perceptions and experiences of implementing musharaka financing.

Practical implications

Financing managers and directors at Islamic banks need to minimize the risk of musharaka financing and alleviate information asymmetry by enhancing employee competence and selecting musharaka partners capable of adhering to Islamic business ethics.

Social implications

Partners of musharaka financing should enhance their Islamic business ethics. Next, other researchers should improve this study by expanding the research locations, increasing the sample size, incorporating additional variables and involving musharaka partners as respondents.

Originality/value

It is a new research using three methods to construct a model of musharaka financing performance. The research refines agency theory by integrating Islamic values into Sharia agency theory.
Decoding digital engagement: a comparative analysis of English and Turkish brand post popularity dynamics on platform X
Authors: Tanaltay Altug , Ozturkcan Selcen , Kasap Nihat
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research aims to understand the dynamics that drive consumer engagement of multinational brands' social media posts on platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Taking the emotional tone of posts into account, the effect of vivid, interactive, informative, entertaining and practical features of posts on consumer interactions are evaluated across English- and Turkish-speaking markets.

Methodology

Inspired by the conceptual framework proposed in previous literature, features were extracted computationally using natural language processing from platform X posts of 33 Fortune 500 brands from various industries from June 2016 to June 2021. Following evaluation of regression models on alternative distributions of the dependent variable, which is total number of likes, shares and comments, random subspace regression using bootstrap resampling was applied to calculate an importance score and evaluate the effect of features.

Findings

Consumers in English- and Turkish-speaking markets perceive and engage with content differently. While informative and entertaining posts resonate more with English speakers, emotions play a broader role for Turkish speakers. English-speaking audience prefers happy and vivid daytime messages with questions, while Turkish-speaking audience is drawn to angry messages, lean toward nighttime posts.

Originality

This research is a pioneer to evaluate the factors that influence brands' platform X post engagements across markets of different cultural orientation. Beyond assessing the distinctions in brand post elements, the role of emotional content in brand messages were also analyzed across English- and Turkish-speaking markets.
Management interventions in pacing a planned financial accounting outsourcing transition
Authors: Flinkman Arja , Gullkvist Benita , Teittinen Henri
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the time and temporal aspects are managed in a financial accounting outsourcing (FAO) transition process in an international interorganizational context. As a research outcome, the authors identify management interventions of both the service provider (SP) and the outsourcing company (OC) at both the corporate and operational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework by Huy (2001a, 2001b) was used to analyze the qualitative data, which draw on observations, participation in 32 official meetings during the outsourcing process, informal discussions with key actors from the SP and the OC, and archival data of a single case company.

Findings

The authors illustrate how the time and temporal aspects of planned accelerated change are managed through management interventions during the FAO transition process. All four ideal intervention types (commanding, engineering, teaching and socializing) were used sequentially but also jointly to complement one another. The pacing was mostly rapid, owing to strong commanding interventions initiating almost every stage. When analyzing the FAO transition process, the authors identified four stages: contact, contract, convergence and control. Moreover, the authors focused on the role of the operational-level managers and accounting specialists of both organizations. The findings indicate that management interventions vary with the management level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the interorganizational control literature by considering the time and temporal aspects in planned organizational change and the role of operational-level managers in managing large-scale changes.
The impact of Medicaid expansion on state expenditures through the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Markell Jenny , Meiselbach Mark Katz
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of Medicaid expansion on state expenditures through the end of 2022.

Data Sources

We used data from the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO)'s State Expenditure Report, Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)'s Medicaid expansion tracker, US Bureau of Labor Statistics data (BLS), US Bureau of Economic Analysis data (BEA), and Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Oversight (PRAC).

Study Design

We investigated spending per capita (by state population) across seven budget categories, including Medicaid spending, and four spending sources. We performed a difference‐in‐differences (DiD) analysis that compared within‐state changes in spending over time in expansion and nonexpansion states to estimate the effect of Medicaid expansion on state budgets. We adjusted for annual state unemployment rate, annual state per capita personal income, and state spending of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from 2020 to 2022 and included state and year fixed effects.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We linked annual state‐level data on state‐reported fiscal year expenditures from NASBO with state‐level characteristics from BLS and BEA data and with CRF state spending from PRAC.

Principal Findings

Medicaid expansion was associated with an average increase of 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16%–25%) in per capita Medicaid spending after Medicaid expansion among states that expanded prior to 2020. After inclusion of an interaction term to separate between the coronavirus disease (COVID) era (2020–2022) and the prior period following expansion (2015–2019), we found that although Medicaid expansion led to an average increase of 33% (95% CI: 21%–45%) in federal funding of state expenditures in the post‐COVID years, it was not significantly associated with increased state spending.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of crowding out of other state expenditure categories or a substantial impact on total state spending, even in the COVID‐19 era. Increased federal expenditures may have shielded states from substantial budgetary impacts.
Investigation on the lipid‐lowering effect and mechanism by combining turmeric with hawthorn in C57BL/6 obese mice
Authors: Li Qiang , Hao Zongwei , Xu Huajian , Wang Xueyan
Published: May 2024

Study on the hypolipidemic effect of turmeric combined with hawthorn on C57BL/6 obese mice and its possible mechanism.

C57 mice were fed with 60% high‐fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model, and 4 mice were slaughtered to verify whether the modeling was successful. The successful mice were divided into model group (HFD), positive group (high fat feed group [HFD] + simvastatin group [SIM]), turmeric group (HFD + TUR), hawthorn group (HFD + HAW), and para‐medicine group (HFD + para‐drug group [DOU]) for 4 weeks by gavage intervention.

Different intervention groups had certain lipid‐lowering effects, and the para‐medicine group showed significant differences (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) in reducing serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamic acid transaminase (ALT), glutamic acid transaminase (AST), and increasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. In the para‐medicine group, the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, fatty acid synthase, platelet‐reactive protein receptor 36, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α were significantly downregulated, and the protein expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α protein expression (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), thus suggesting that turmeric and hawthorn are superior to turmeric and hawthorn alone in enhancing lipid metabolism‐related mechanisms. Combined effects of turmeric and hawthorn improve lipid metabolism in mice, protect the liver, and improve the protein expression of liver‐related genes. This study can lay the theoretical basis for the future association of medicinal food products and the development of related weight loss products.
Recurrence in lobular carcinoma of the breast: A 14‐year review
Authors: Burns Nathan , Bourke Anita
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The two most common types of breast cancer are invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive or infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) (Pestalozzi et al., J. Clin. Oncol., 26, 2008, 3006). Between 5% and 15% of invasive breast carcinomas are lobular carcinomas (Pestalozzi et al., J. Clin. Oncol., 26, 2008, 3006; Dossus and Benusiglio, Breast Cancer Res., 17, 2015, 37; Braunstein et al., Breast Cancer Res. Treat., 149, 2015, 555). The paucity of data relating to recurrence rates of lobular cancers prompted this study.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all cases of lobular breast carcinoma reported to the Western Australia Cancer Registry with the clinical and pathological details between 2000 and 2014.

Results

Overall, 2463 subjects with a total of 2526 events of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. 11/2463 (0.45%) subjects met criteria for local recurrence of invasive lobular breast cancer, with an incidence of 1 in 224.

Conclusion

There are clinical implications for the management and follow‐up for patients with a diagnosis of lobular cancer of the breast. Due to the low recurrence rate, now, the standard practice in our institution does not offer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of the follow‐up for ILC patients. Other centres should establish local recurrence rates to aid development of appropriate management protocols.
Clinical validity of the nursing diagnosis risk for unstable blood glucose level in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case–control study
Authors: Oliveira Lídia R. , Amaro Josemberg P. , Moreira Rafaella P. , Lopes Rafael O. P. , Lopes Camila T. , Ferreira José E. S. M. , Cavalcante Tahissa F.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess clinical–causal validity evidence of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level (00179), in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in 5 primary healthcare units, involving 107 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 60 in the case group and 47 in the control group. Causality was determined by the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors, risk factors related to the nursing diagnosis, and the occurrence of unstable blood glucose level. An association was considered when the risk factor had a p‐value of <0.05 and odds ratio >1.

Results

Risk factors, such as stress, inadequate physical activity, and low adherence to therapeutic regimen, were prevalent in the sample. Time since diagnosis between 1–5 and 6–10 years, multiracial ethnicity, and the risk factor of low adherence to therapeutic regimen increased the likelihood of the outcome. Completion of high school education was identified as a protective factor.

Conclusions

The clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level, has been successfully established, revealing a clear association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and the risk factors inherent to the nursing diagnosis.

Implications for nursing practice

The results contribute to advancing scientific knowledge related to nursing education, research, and practice and provide support for the evolution of nursing care processes for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
“Consider Carefully the Best Use of Our Limited Resources”: Australian Space Policy, 1960–72
Authors: Moss Tristan
Published: May 2024

In Australia's long engagement with space activities, the 1960s are singled out as a particular period of technological achievement. In turn, these achievements are often described as having been a potential foundation for an expanded Australian space programme that was rejected by the Australian government. However, these arguments, which might be termed a narrative of “missed opportunity” in writing about Australia's space past, are rarely made with reference to the archival record. This article argues that analysis of key decisions around space during the 1960s show that rather than being dismissive of space technology, the Australian government was cognisant of the potential benefits of space. It was supportive of Australian involvement when it met with broader national needs and willing to expend significant government resources in investigating and supporting space endeavours. Equally, it declined to expand Australia's expenditure on space when, like any other policy area, the proposals did not meet Australian needs, were poorly designed, or both.
Hexokinase 2 nonmetabolic function‐mediated phosphorylation of IκBα enhances pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Tong Yingying , Liu Xin , Wu Lihui , Xiang Yaoxian , Wang Jing , Cheng Yurong , Zhang Chan , Han Baojuan , Wang Li , Yan Dong
Published: May 2024

Aberrant signaling in tumor cells induces nonmetabolic functions of some metabolic enzymes in many cellular activities. As a key glycolytic enzyme, the nonmetabolic function of hexokinase 2 (HK2) plays a role in tumor immune evasion. However, whether HK2, dependent of its nonmetabolic activity, plays a role in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that HK2 acts as a protein kinase and phosphorylates IκBα at T291 in PDAC cells, activating NF‐κB, which enters the nucleus and promotes the expression of downstream targets under hypoxia. HK2 nonmetabolic activity‐promoted activation of NF‐κB promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells. These findings provide new insights into the multifaceted roles of HK2 in tumor development and underscore the potential of targeting HK2 protein kinase activity for PDAC treatment.
Psychometric evaluation of the pictorial scale of perceived movement skill competence in Chinese children: An item response theory analysis
Authors: Li Xuanxi , Su Zheng , Wang Li , Li Jing , Diao Yucui
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the psychometric characteristics of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) in Chinese children, utilizing the principles of item response theory (IRT).

Methods

A total of 284 children (147 boys), aged 4–10 years (Mage = 7.39, SD = 2.18), from four schools were recruited for testing, adhering to the principle of random sampling. The Rasch model was applied to evaluate the rating scale validity, local independence, scale dimensionality, person and item fit statistics, and differential item functioning (DIF).

Results

(1) The rating scale validity was confirmed by the monotonically increasing trend in both average item difficulty measures and Andrich thresholds. (2) However, the observation that standardized residual correlations for all items remained below 0.3 unequivocally confirmed the presence of local independence among the variables. (3) The scale's dimensions were substantiated, with Rasch measures explaining 40.6% of total variance, exceeding the 40% threshold. Additionally, the first contrast had an eigenvalue of 1.8 and explained 8.80% of the variance, both exceeding the minimum 3:1 ratio. Consequently, the unidimensionality assumption of the item was supported. (4) Person and item fit statistics indicated requisite reliability and separation, with all achieving suitable infit and outfit measures, and point‐biserial correlations exceeding 0.55. (5) Regarding gender DIF, it was observed that the majority of items did not exhibit statistically significant gender DIF effects (p > 0.05) except item 8 (Bounce a ball, t = −2.74, p < 0.01, DIF = −0.51).

Conclusion

Rasch analysis revealed that the instrument exhibited strong scale validity among Chinese children, adhering to the Rasch model's unidimensionality and local independence principles, with robust person and item reliability and separation. All items demonstrated a good fit. Additionally, the significant gender difference in item 8 (Bounce a ball) warrants further consideration. In conclusion, PMSC is suitable for assessing the PMSC of Chinese children.
Co‐creating and implementing a novel pre‐conference event to promote equity and inclusivity among academic researchers and people who use drugs
Authors: Stowe M. J. , Hansford Louise , Halford Rachel , Wallace Jason , Lafferty Lise
Published: May 2024

This commentary draws on our experience organising a targeted networking event at the 10th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users, in Glasgow, Scotland in October 2022. The event, held the day before the conference, brought together people with lived and living experiences of drug use and early‐ and mid‐career researchers on an equitable basis. We offer reflections, focussing on how the event promoted community‐academic engagement from members of the respective groups. We provide recommendations for how conferences can organise to engage with people who use drugs—both those with lived and living experience and foster greater inclusion for all attendees.
Endoscopic muscularis dissection with over‐the‐scope clip: Novel resection technique for duodenal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Ogata Yohei , Hatta Waku , Masamune Atsushi
Published: May 2024

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Socioeconomic differences in use of antiseizure medication in pregnancies with maternal epilepsy: A population‐based study from Nordic universal health care systems
Authors: Leinonen Maarit K. , Igland Jannicke , Dreier Julie Werenberg , Alvestad Silje , Cohen Jacqueline M. , Gilhus Nils Erik , Gissler Mika , Sun Yuelian , Tomson Torbjörn , Zoega Helga , Vegrim Håkon M. , Christensen Jakob , Bjørk Marte‐Helene
Published: May 2024

Objective

Research points to disparities in disease burden and access to medical care in epilepsy. We studied the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and antiseizure medication (ASM) use in pregnancies with maternal epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study consisting of 21 130 pregnancies with maternal epilepsy identified from Nordic registers during 2006–2017. SES indicators included cohabitation status, migrant background, educational attainment, and household income. Main outcomes were the proportion and patterns of ASM use from 90 days before pregnancy to birth. We applied multiple imputation to handle SES variables with 2%–4% missingness. We estimated adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using modified Poisson regression with the highest SES category as reference.

Results

Mothers with the highest education and the highest income quintile used ASMs least frequently (56% and 53%, respectively). We observed increased risks of ASM discontinuation prior to or during the first trimester for low SES. The risk estimates varied depending on the SES indicator from aRR = 1.27 for low income (95% CI: 1.03–1.57) to aRR = 1.66 for low education (95% CI: 1.30–2.13). Migrant background was associated with ASM initiation after the first trimester (aRR 2.17; 95% CI 1.88–2.52). Low education was associated with the use of valproate during pregnancy in monotherapy (aRR 1.70; 95% CI 1.29–2.24) and in polytherapy (aRR 2.65; 95% CI 1.66–4.21). Low education was also associated with a 37% to 39% increased risk of switching from one ASM to another depending on the ASM used. For the other SES indicators, aRRs of switching varied from 1.16 (foreign origin; 95% CI 1.08–1.26) to 1.26 (not married or cohabiting; 95% CI 1.17–1.36).

Significance

Low SES was associated with riskier patterns of ASM use: discontinuation, late initiation, and switching during pregnancy. These findings may reflect unplanned pregnancies, disparities in access to preconception counseling, and suboptimal care.
Exploring morphometric transformations in temperature‐sensitive NiTi instruments alongside real‐time intracanal temperature dynamics
Authors: Atmeh Amre R. , Al Omari Taher , AlQifari Abdullah F. , Jamleh Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study was twofold: (i) it aimed to investigate the morphometric changes of three temperature‐sensitive nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments at different temperatures, and (ii) to conduct an in vivo real‐time analysis of intracanal temperature changes.

Methods

Changes in the shape and length of XP‐Endo Shaper, XP‐Endo Finisher, and XP‐Endo Finisher‐R were evaluated in real time whilst heated in a temperature‐controlled water bath from 22 to 45°C. Instruments were fixed to a laminated water‐resistant 1 mm graph paper attached to a stone block. Instruments were imaged whilst subjected to increasing temperature using a digital camera attached to an operating microscope. From recorded videos, still frames were extracted at 10‐s intervals and changes in the length and shape of each instrument were measured and changes were plotted against time. Moreover, the intracanal temperature of distal roots of lower molars was measured in vivo for patients attending the clinic for non‐surgical root canal treatments. The temperature was measured using a K‐type thermocouple probe inserted into the mid‐root level after irrigating the canal with a solution set at room temperature (22°C) or heated to 45°C. The intraoral and intracanal temperatures were recorded using a video camera for 180 s at 5‐s intervals to plot the change in the intraoral and intracanal temperature, after both irrigation solution temperatures, with time.

Results

The shape transformation of XP‐Endo Shaper began at 31.5 ± 2.0°C and reached its optimal transformation at 35.1 ± 1.0°C. For the Finisher and Finisher‐R, shape transformations began at 29.2 ± 1.9 and 26.9 ± 2.2°C reaching the optimal transformation at 33.9 ± 1.4 and 32.7 ± 1.7°C, respectively. The average decreases in lengths of XP‐Endo Shaper, Finisher, and Finisher‐R after full transformation were 0.43 ± 0.23, 1.07 ± 0.22, and 1.15 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. The intracanal temperature reached 32.9 ± 0.8 and 33.2 ± 1.0°C after 3 min of application of irrigation solutions set at 22 or 45°C, respectively.

Conclusion

The tested instruments exhibited diverse changes in their shapes and lengths at varying temperatures. Despite the temperature of the irrigation solution, the intracanal temperature consistently remained lower than the intracanal temperature once equilibrium was reached. This highlights the importance of considering the temperature of irrigation solution during in vitro testing of endodontic instruments.