bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return intentions among Ukrainian refugees in Europe: A Cross‐National Study
Authors: van Tubergen Frank , Wachter Gusta G. , Kosyakova Yuliya , Kogan Irena
Published: June 2024

This study examines the return intentions of Ukrainian refugee women who fled to various European countries following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. By analysing data from the cross‐national OneUA survey, which included over 18,000 respondents in eight European countries, this research investigates the interplay of contextual, compositional, and cross‐level interaction effects on their intentions to return to Ukraine. Our findings reveal notable country differences in return intentions, with Ukrainian women in the Netherlands and Germany displaying the lowest intentions to return, while those in Moldova and Romania showing the highest. Individual‐level effects, encompassing factors such as level of education, language skills, partnership status, and region of origin play a significant role in shaping return intentions, yet do not explain the observed country variations. Furthermore, we find that individual‐level effects are remarkably consistent across different European countries, suggesting that country‐ and individual‐level conditions independently shape return intentions. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the complexities underlying refugees' return intentions, shedding light on both the broad influences of country context and the significance of individual characteristics.
Interrupted time series analysis of chronic periodontitis‐related procedures before and after the scaling reimbursement policy in Korea
Authors: Kim Yu‐Rin , Kim Seon‐Rye , Son Minkook
Published: June 2024

Aim

To study the use of a quasi‐experimental design to assess the effects of scaling reimbursement policies on the incidence of chronic‐periodontitis procedures.

Materials and Methods

Interrupted time series analysis was used to compare the effects before and after policy implementation using data on the number of periodontitis‐related procedures from the Korean National Health Insurance Service‐National Sample Cohort (n = 740,467) and the Health Screening Cohort (n = 337,904). Periodontitis‐related procedures with diagnosis codes were categorized into basic (scaling or root planing), intermediate (subgingival curettage) and advanced (tooth extraction, periodontal flap surgery, bone grafting for alveolar bone defects or guided tissue regeneration). Subjects' demographics and comorbidities were considered. The incidence rate of immediate changes and gradual effects before and after policy implementation was assessed.

Results

Following the policy implementation from July 2013, an immediate increase was observed in total and basic procedures. No significant changes were noted in intermediate and advanced procedures initially. A decrease in the slope of intermediate procedures was observed in both databases. Advanced procedures showed varied trends, with no change in the National Sample Cohort but an increase in the Health Screening Cohort, particularly among subjects with comorbidities.

Conclusions

Following the new policy implementation, the number of intermediate procedures decreased while the number of advanced procedures increased, especially among patients with comorbidities. These findings offer valuable insights on policy evaluation.
Occurrence of periodontal diseases according to the ACES 2018 Classification Framework and the CDC/AAP definition: A cross‐sectional study in a major Brazilian city
Authors: dos Anjos Stefany Duarte , de Medeiros Tayse Caroline Cunha , Ferro Rafael Milani , Daufenbach Leticia , de Oliveira Raquel Santos , Leutz Anna Carolina Neves , Pereira Marina David Joao , Haas Alex Nogueira , Souza Alessandra Areas e , Steffens Joao Paulo
Published: June 2024

Aim

The occurrence of periodontal diseases is still to be determined in large samples of major Brazilian cities. This study aimed to assess the periodontal status of adults from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, using periodontitis definitions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) and the recently published ACES 2018 Classification Framework.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐stage probability sampling technique was applied to draw individuals aged 18 or older. A total of 566 individuals underwent a full‐mouth periodontal examination. Periodontitis cases were defined according to the CDC/AAP and the ACES 2018 Classification Framework. Non‐periodontitis cases were classified as healthy or gingivitis. The agreement between the two definitions was calculated.

Results

Periodontal health was present in 33.6% and 13.8% of individuals, and gingivitis was found in 11.7% and 7.5%, according to CDC/AAP and ACES, respectively. Mild, moderate and severe periodontitis (CDC/AAP) were present in 2.1%, 33.4% and 19.1% of individuals, respectively. Using ACES, 34.3% had Stages I/II and 43.3% had Stages III/IV. The occurrence of periodontitis was higher when a subgroup of individuals aged 30+ were analysed, ranging from 69.6% (CDC/AAP) to 90.1% (ACES). CDC/AAP and ACES agreement for health, gingivitis and periodontitis accounted for 68.8% of the observations.

Conclusions

Periodontal diseases affect more than 66% of the population aged 18+ years. Classic definition by the CDC/AAP and the recently published ACES Framework yielded moderate agreement.
Feeding patterns of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr are better explained by local drivers than by macroecological drivers
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Javier , Martínez Aurora , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano
Published: June 2024

We modeled feeding of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr to understand the role of global (cross‐continental) and regional (river) spatial scales for delineating feeding patterns. The diet composition differed between Eurasia and North America populations. Geographic location (latitude and elevation) had an influence for the most common prey (Ephemeroptera, Diptera and Plecoptera). The random factors (sampling location and river) had a strong explanatory power in our models, suggesting that local drivers may override the effects of large‐scale drivers.
Robust modeling of material flows to end‐uses under uncertainty: UK wood flows and material efficiency opportunities
Authors: Anspach R. L. , Allen S. R. , Lupton R. C.
Published: June 2024

In this study we quantify wood flows from raw materials to end‐uses for the United Kingdom in a robust way using a new material flow analysis (MFA) model with uncertainty. This is important to identify opportunities for efficiency given constraints on wood supply. We have developed a new “ProbPACTOT” MFA model which introduces a systematic method to handle mixed units during reconciliation and uncertainty in data observations, conversion factors, and process recipes. This makes it possible to track material flows all the way to end‐uses, which is otherwise difficult because the diverse materials, data types, and units used to quantify end‐products are hard to integrate into standard allocation‐based MFA models. We apply the model for the case of wood in the United Kingdom by defining 56 process recipes and reconciling 117 data observations from various sources. The results quantify upstream production and trade flows, through to 19 specific end‐uses of wood fibers. We use this to show the potential scale of savings by enhancing material efficiency; for example, if pallets were used 25% more intensively, 0.49 0.2 of wood fibers could be saved, corresponding to 4%–7% of the total soft sawnwood consumption of the United Kingdom. Judging the scale of opportunities for wood material efficiency in the United Kingdom is important domestically, and has global significance as the United Kingdom is the second largest net importer of wood products in the world. Moreover, this study proposes an important advancement in MFA giving a structure for modeling uncertain material flows up to end‐uses, applicable to any material. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.
Exploring Postpartum Pregnancy Prevention Behaviors Among Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Mixed‐Methods Analysis
Authors: Galvin Annalynn M. , Bergh Rebecca E. , Walters Scott T. , Lewis Melissa A. , Thompson Erika L.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Women experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of unintended pregnancy than women who are stably housed and may have unique reasons for not engaging in postpartum pregnancy prevention. This sequential explanatory mixed‐methods study aimed to examine reasons women experiencing homelessness may not engage in pregnancy prevention during the postpartum period.

Methods

Quantitative 2016‐2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data regarding postpartum pregnancy prevention among recently pregnant women experiencing homelessness and women stably housed (n = 99,138) were analyzed with complex survey‐weighted bivariate analysis. Primary outcomes included whether women engaged in postpartum contraception and key reasons for not engaging in postpartum contraception. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews with north Texas women (n = 12) recently pregnant and homeless were coded and thematically analyzed. Findings were triangulated using a woman‐centered conceptual framework that facilitates meeting reproductive goals.

Results

Women experiencing homelessness reported several statistically significant (P < .05) reasons for not using postpartum pregnancy prevention: currently pregnant, currently abstinent, cannot afford contraception, and partner not liking contraception. Key themes from interviews were related to internal factors (eg, perceived risk of pregnancy is high, current situation not good for having children); external factors (eg, my partner wants to have another child); perceptions of pregnancy (eg, children would be joyful, I want to get pregnant soon after I get housing), and salience of planning (eg, doesn't matter if we plan).

Discussion

Findings highlight several key reasons for not engaging in postpartum pregnancy prevention among women experiencing homelessness. Findings lay the groundwork for interventions seeking to support individualized and evolving sexual and reproductive health goals within the context of needed housing and family resources.
Climate change in Europe and international portfolio allocation: Micro‐level evidence from global funds
Authors: Li Xiao , Lu Xingyu , Xie Wenjing
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the impact of climate change on international portfolio allocations of global funds. We select the heat wave disasters in Europe in 2018 as a quasi‐natural experiment and employ the DID framework. Our findings indicate that global funds would reduce their holdings in the affected country after heat wave disasters. The congestion of inland waterways and electricity shortages during the heatwave have resulted in production delays, thereby transmit risks to the financial sector. Countries with higher foreign exposure experience a larger scale of capital outflow after heat waves; while countries with great institutional quality and resilience demonstrate greater capacity to withstand heat wave disasters. The funds with lower risk tolerance are more sensitive to climate change. Additionally, domestic funds will remain in their home countries post‐heatwave when foreign capitals flow away. These findings have important policy implications, and countries with high climate risks should carefully monitor the capital flows. In order to reduce the impact of climate risks, it is crucial to improve the quality of institution and efficiency of government as well as to implement effective disaster prevention and mitigation measures.
Heterogenous causal effects: Potentials and pitfalls as illustrated with fatherhood and earnings
Authors: Fallesen Peter , Andersen Lars Højsgaard , Elwert Felix
Published: June 2024

Objective

To discuss how methods to estimate heterogenous causal effects can be applied in Family Science and to supply empirical examples using the case of fatherhood and earnings.

Background

Many questions important to family scientists do not focus on one‐size‐fits‐all average effects but rather on whether and how effects differ across groups. Recent methodological advances can assist this latter focus, offering new insights for theory and policy.

Method

Using Danish administrative data on all men who entered fatherhood 2005–2016 and on men of comparable age who did not, we focus on two types of heterogeneity in effects. First, effect heterogeneity across observed and unobserved covariates; second, treatment effect heterogeneity across the distribution of outcome variables.

Results

The fatherhood premium on annual labor income is, in fact, a fatherhood penalty on average and across most margins of heterogeneity. Substantial heterogeneity exists across observed and unobserved characteristics and across the distribution of labor market earnings, with results indicating larger penalties for lower earners and those least likely to become fathers.

Conclusions

Effect heterogeneity in Family Science holds great potential to inform policy and theory. However, causal interpretations always require assumptions, and researchers must be vigilant that the assumptions they make are warranted for each specific application.
Phenotyping of somatosensory tinnitus and its associations: An observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Spisila Thaís , Fontana Luana Carolina , Hamerschmidt Rogério , de Cássia Cassou Guimarães Rita , Hilgenberg‐Sydney Priscila Brenner
Published: June 2024

Background

Somatosensory tinnitus (ST) is associated with activation of the auditory pathway by trigeminal or cervical afferents.

Objective

This is a cross‐sectional observational study that aims to verify the association of ST with TMD, bruxism, migraine and psychosocial aspects.

Methods

This study was conducted at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Complex of the Federal University of Paraná. Specific ST characteristics, were evaluated according to the last consensus for the diagnosis of ST. Two groups with 39 individuals each one were formed, the ST group (STG) and the comparison group (CG). TMD was classified according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and migraine by the International Classification of Headaches. The presence of probable sleep and awake bruxism was associated with individual's reports and clinical inspections. The applied questionnaires investigated oral behaviours (OB), sleep quality (SQ), psychosocial aspects (PA), central sensitization (CS), tinnitus impact on quality of life (TIQF), and graded chronic pain scale (GCPS).

Results

The STG showed a significant association with modulation manoeuvres and trigger points; myalgias and arthralgia; disc displacement with and without reduction; subluxation; bruxism; and presence of migraine. For the same group, we found a significant association with OB, PA, CS, TIQF and GCPS. There was no significant difference between groups regarding SQ.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between the presence of ST and the occurrence of TMD, probable sleep and awake bruxism, and migraine. There is also a greater impairment of OB, PA, CS and TIQF.
The effects of trauma‐focused treatment on painful temporomandibular disorders, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism in patients with severe post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Knibbe Wendy , de Jongh Ad , Acar‐Ceylan Kübra , Al Hamami Zahra , Visscher Corine M. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: June 2024

Background

Chronic painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD), awake bruxism and sleep bruxism are often comorbid with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the implications for treatment are unknown.

Objective(s)

To explore the effects of PTSD treatment on these conditions. We hypothesized that chronic painful TMD, pain intensity, pain interference, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism would decrease after evidence‐based trauma‐focused treatment and that this decrease would be maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods

Individuals referred for PTSD treatment were assessed for chronic painful TMD (temporomandibular disorder pain screener), pain intensity, pain interference (Graded Chronic Pain Scale 2.0), awake bruxism and sleep bruxism (oral behaviours checklist) pre‐, post‐treatment and at the 6‐month follow‐up. Hypotheses were tested using the Friedman test, followed by a post hoc Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Effect sizes (Cohen's r) are reported. Barely any pain interference was reported, therefore these outcomes were not analysed.

Results

In individuals with chronic painful TMD (n = 98), pain intensity, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism decreased across the three time points. Post hoc tests showed that chronic painful TMD (r = 0.59), pain intensity (r = 0.28), awake bruxism (r = 0.51) and sleep bruxism (r = 0.35) decreased between pre‐ and post‐treatment. Between pre‐treatment and the 6‐month follow‐up, chronic painful TMD (r = 0.58), awake bruxism (r = 0.30) and sleep bruxism (r = 0.39) decreased as well.

Conclusion

The results provide preliminary support for a trauma‐sensitive approach for patients with chronic painful TMD and PTSD and suggest that trauma‐focused treatment may be beneficial for chronic painful TMD, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism in patients with PTSD and chronic painful TMD.
Multiple deletions of candidate effector genes lead to the breakdown of partial grapevine resistance to downy mildew
Authors: Paineau Manon , Minio Andrea , Mestre Pere , Fabre Frédéric , Mazet Isabelle D. , Couture Carole , Legeai Fabrice , Dumartinet Thomas , Cantu Dario , Delmotte François
Published: June 2024

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (P. viticola, Berk. & M. A. Curtis; Berl. & De Toni), is a global threat to Eurasian wine grapes Vitis vinifera. Although resistant grapevine varieties are becoming more accessible, P. viticola populations are rapidly evolving to overcome these resistances. We aimed to uncover avirulence genes related to Rpv3.1‐mediated grapevine resistance.

We sequenced the genomes and characterized the development of 136 P. viticola strains on resistant and sensitive grapevine cultivars. A genome‐wide association study was conducted to identify genomic variations associated with resistant‐breaking phenotypes.

We identified a genomic region associated with the breakdown of Rpv3.1 grapevine resistance (avrRpv3.1 locus). A diploid‐aware reassembly of the P. viticola INRA‐Pv221 genome revealed structural variations in this locus, including a 30 kbp deletion. Virulent P. viticola strains displayed multiple deletions on both haplotypes at the avrRpv3.1 locus. These deletions involve two paralog genes coding for proteins with 800–900 amino acids and signal peptides. These proteins exhibited a structure featuring LWY‐fold structural modules, common among oomycete effectors. When transiently expressed, these proteins induced cell death in grapevines carrying Rpv3.1 resistance, confirming their avirulence nature.

This discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms enabling P. viticola to adapt to grapevine resistance, laying a foundation for developing strategies to manage this destructive crop pathogen.
Densovirus infection facilitates plant–virus transmission by an aphid
Authors: Dong Yonghao , Li Tong , Hou Yuanyuan , Wilson Kenneth , Wang Xiufang , Su Chenyu , Li Yunhe , Ren Guangwei , Xu Pengjun
Published: June 2024

The interactions among plant viruses, insect vectors, and host plants have been well studied; however, the roles of insect viruses in this system have largely been neglected.

We investigated the effects of MpnDV infection on aphid and PVY transmission using bioassays, RNA interference (RNAi), and GC‐MS methods and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), potato virus Y (PVY), and densovirus (Myzus persicae nicotianae densovirus, MpnDV) as model systems.

MpnDV increased the activities of its host, promoting population dispersal and leading to significant proliferation in tobacco plants by significantly enhancing the titer of the sesquiterpene (E)‐β‐farnesene (EβF) via up‐regulation of expression levels of the MpFPPS1 gene. The proliferation and dispersal of MpnDV‐positive individuals were faster than that of MpnDV‐negative individuals in PVY‐infected tobacco plants, which promoted the transmission of PVY.

These results combined showed that an insect virus may facilitate the transmission of a plant virus by enhancing the locomotor activity and population proliferation of insect vectors. These findings provide novel opportunities for controlling insect vectors and plant viruses, which can be used in the development of novel management strategies.
‘Everything now, all the time’: The connectivity paradox and gender equality in the legal profession
Authors: Foley Meraiah , Cooper Rae , Vromen Ariadne , Lee Talara , Tapsell Amy
Published: June 2024

Digital workplace technologies have created a connectivity paradox in professional workplace settings. These technologies allow professionals greater spatial‐temporal control over their work, but also elevate expectations regarding responsiveness outside of working hours. This study examines how lawyers in Australia understand and navigate the connectivity paradox, given the rapid expansion of digital technologies during and after the Covid‐19 pandemic. We find that many lawyers experience digitally enabled flexibility as a welcome and emancipatory removal of gendered participation barriers and a potential facilitator of gender equality in the profession. At the same time, the intensity of work and pressure to be constantly connected means that digital presenteeism may be replacing physical presenteeism, reinforcing expectations of ultralong working hours and further eroding gender equality in the profession. Our study underscores the need for regulatory interventions, such as a ‘right to disconnect’, to balance the benefits of digital flexibility with protections against overwork.
How education professionals manage personal and professional boundaries when using social technologies
Authors: Andersson Annika , Hedström Karin
Published: June 2024

This study investigates how education professionals balance their private and professional lives when using social technologies. Based on boundary theory and interviews with 57 education professionals, we identify which tactics they use to separate or integrate their private and professional life. We identified twice as many segmentation tactics compared to integration tactics and found that the education professionals struggled most with finding segmentation tactics that work. We argue that this is because social technologies are designed to support integration and therefore teachers using these technologies must work harder to separate their private and professional roles. There is a need to further investigate how boundary theory can be used, and segmentation tactics understood, when the object of study is social technology, which is specifically built to integrate time and professional and private spaces. For practice, there is a need to better support teachers in their use of social technologies.
‘Identity as work’: Water‐army and disability employment in digital China
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) over the past few decades has changed the world of work. Although extensive studies have discussed the impact of ICTs on work forms and labour relations, scarce attention has been paid to work–identity dynamics in digitally enabled contexts, let alone the issues faced by marginalised people such as disabled people. This article attempts to fill the gaps by examining the relationship between cyber work, identity, and disability in digital China. By analysing ‘water army’ (shuijun), a unique type of cyber work, the article proposes an ‘identity as work’ scenario that includes the production and commodification of identity as the work content, the development of a workable, in‐control identity as the most important return, and the organisation of work around the disability identity. The findings suggest a new and more complex interaction between (marginal) people's identity strategies and work‐related social norms.
Changes in Inflation Dynamics in Korea: Global Factor, Country Factor and Their Propagation*
Authors: Kim Yun Jung , Kwark Noh‐Sun
Published: June 2024

This study examines the influence of global and country factors on inflation movements in Korea using a multi‐level factor model. Our results indicate that country factors showed a more pronounced alignment with inflation in Korea up to the mid‐2000s, having particularly strong impacts around the Asian financial crisis. Beyond the mid‐2000s, global factors played a more influential role in shaping inflation. This increased influence of global factors on inflation became particularly apparent during the notable inflationary surge following the COVID‐19 pandemic. We construct structural models to identify global and country shocks and find that the effect of global shocks persists for a longer period, whereas the immediate impact of country shocks is more pronounced. Global shocks have a greater influence on producer price index and import price index inflation compared to consumer price index (CPI) or core CPI inflation. We further find that energy prices closely correlate with global factors, while exchange rates are highly correlated with country factors in Korea.
Photoinhibition and photosynthetic regulation in fluctuating light under compound stresses of drought and heat
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Qian , Zeng Zhi‐Lan , Li Yi‐Yun , Huang Wei
Published: June 2024

Under the background of global climate change, crop leaves usually experience fluctuating light (FL) under compound stresses of drought and heat in the field. However, photoinhibition and photosynthetic regulation in FL under these compound stresses are little known. To elucidate this, we measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 redox state and electrochromic shift signals for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves exposed to FL under individual and compound stresses of moderate drought and heat stresses. After treatment with short‐term FL, photosystem I (PSI) activity decreased slightly in all treatments. By comparison, photosystem II (PSII) activity was reduced slightly under individual stress but largely decreased by 46% under compound stresses. Therefore, PSI is more tolerant than PSII when exposed to FL under compound stresses of drought and heat. Under compound stresses, PSII photoinhibition largely downregulated linear electron flow and photorespiration became a major electron sink downstream. Concomitantly, cyclic electron flow (CEF) was highly enhanced to help the building up of trans‐thylakoid proton gradient. This study highlights the importance of PSII activity and CEF in crop tolerance under future compound climate extremes such as drought and heat.
The isolation between part‐set cues and social collaboration in episodic memory is dependent: Insight from ongoing and post‐collaboration
Authors: Nie Aiqing , Li Mengmeng , Wang Qiao , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2024

It has been demonstrated that both part‐set cues and social interaction can produce detrimental effects on memory. Specifically, part‐set cues lead to part‐set cueing impairment, while social interaction can result in collaborative inhibition. However, there is less evidence on whether these factors have isolated or comparable impacts on memory. Additionally, it is still unknown whether the effects behave similarly on item memory and source memory, whether the effects are comparable between ongoing and post‐social collaboration, and whether stimulus features influence their respective roles. To address these issues, we conducted the current experiment where participants were exposed to gender stereotype‐consistent or ‐inconsistent words, categorized as positive, neutral, or negative. The words were read out by either a male or a female. Two recall sessions were conducted: Recall 1 was carried out either individually or collaboratively, whereas Recall 2 was always collaborative. Some participants performed Recall 1 under the part‐set cued condition while others were under the no‐cued condition. Both item memory and source memory were assessed in both recall sessions. The results have three implications. First, during the ongoing collaborative session, two effects were observed on item memory: part‐set cueing impairment and collaborative inhibition. Further, the contributions elicited by part‐set cues and social collaboration are isolated. The part‐set cueing impairment was influenced by both emotional valence and stereotypical consistency. Second, post‐collaboration analysis indicated that both the utilization of part‐set cues and collaboration itself enhanced item memory, resulting in the part‐set cueing enhancement and post‐collaborative memory benefit. Additionally, there was evidence indicating that the mechanisms prompted by these two factors intertwined when emotional valence and stereotypical consistency were considered. Third, in both ongoing and post‐collaboration scenarios, the detrimental and beneficial effects on item memory and source memory exhibited different patterns, thereby supporting the dual‐process models. These findings enhance our comprehension of the insolation and the interplay between part‐set cues and collaboration in memory.
Participation in Sports/Recreational Activities and the Occurrence of Psychological Distress in Mid‐Aged Adults: Findings From the HABITAT Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Ruyi , Brown Wendy J. , Burton Nicola W. , Mielke Gregore I.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate prospective associations between participation in sports/recreational activities and the occurrence of moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress over 2 years in a sample of mid‐aged Australians.

Methods

This prospective study used data from 6699 adults aged 40+ years, living in Brisbane in 2007, and surveyed in 2009, 2011 and 2013. Participants provided self‐reported data on frequency of participation in each of 11 sports/recreational activities in past 12 months and completed the Kessler Psychological Distress 6‐item Scale (K6). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with a 2‐year lag were used to assess the associations of participation in sports/recreational activities in 2009 and 2011 with new cases of moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 5) in 2011 and 2013.

Results

From 2009 to 2013, 22.4% of participants without moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress at baseline (N = 4943) developed this outcome in at least one survey. Overall, there were no clear patterns of association between frequency of participation in sports and recreational activities and occurrence of moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress. In unadjusted models, weekly participation in some activities (e.g., tennis, golf, and exercise classes) was associated with reduced odds of moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress over the next 2 years, but these associations were attenuated in most adjusted models with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health covariates. Participation in home‐based exercise and running/jogging were associated with higher odds of psychological distress.

Conclusion

Our findings do not provide strong evidence of beneficial associations of frequency of sport/recreational activities with psychological distress but show surprising negative associations of home‐based exercise and running/jogging with occurrence of moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress over 2 years.
Mechanical Interaction Between the Tendons of the Extrinsic Finger Flexors
Authors: Maas H. , Geusebroek G. , Baan G. C. , Veeger H. E. J.
Published: June 2024

Humans possess an incredible capacity for dexterity, but independent finger control is limited. One factor constraining finger independence is the connections between the tendons of the extrinsic finger muscles. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent the linkages between the distal tendons of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and those of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) constrain finger independence. Experiments on human fresh frozen cadaveric upper extremities (n = 6) were performed. First, one finger (target) was flexed whereas the other (nontarget) fingers were held in a nearly extended position. The change (Δ) in total flexion angle (∑Θ; i.e., the sum of angles of the different finger joints) of the target finger from the ∑Θ corresponding to the extended position at the start of the movement until the ∑Θ corresponding to the onset of force exertion at the nontarget fingers was assessed. Second, the distribution of force across the four fingers upon loading the tendon of the target finger was assessed for two finger positions (extended, 90° flexion of metacarpal phalangeal joint). For both muscles and for all fingers, the range of independent movement was small (<7°). Δ∑Θ at force onset was lowest for fingers immediately adjacent to the target finger and highest for more distant fingers. For both muscles and for all fingers, some of the target finger force (<14% for FDP, <2% for FDS) was distributed to the nontarget fingers, which increased (up to 58%) only for FDP in response to target finger flexion. We conclude that mechanical connections between the FDP and FDS tendons constrain finger independence. Such constraints become apparent when moving one finger relative to the other fingers.
C10orf99 regulates angiogenesis by regulating VEGF and MMP2 in psoriasis
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Ye Zhenjie
Published: June 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive neovascularization. It was previously found that C10orf99 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation in psoriasis. However, the role of C10orf99 on angiogenesis associated with psoriasis is unknown.

Methods

We used imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis mice and M5‐induced cellular model of psoriasis to research the effects of C10orf99 knockdown on angiogenesis in psoriasis in vivo and in vitro.

Results

In this study, our data showed that C10orf99 knockdown ameliorated imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced red plaques in mice and reduced the number of microvessels. Furthermore, we found such an effect was achieved by down‐regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metallomatrix proteinase 2 (MMP2). Consistently, C10orf99 knockdown significantly downgraded the expression of MMP2 and VEGF in cellular model of psoriasis.

Conclusion

These results suggested that C10orf99 could regulate angiogenesis in psoriasis and it might be a promising potential target of psoriasis.
COVID‐19 and global value chains: A discussion of arguments on value chain organisation and the role of the WTO
Authors: Bacchetta Marc , Bekkers Eddy , Piermartini Roberta , Rubinova Stela , Stolzenburg Victor , Xu Ankai
Published: June 2024

We conduct an in‐depth analysis of the reasons for changes in global value chains as a result of COVID‐19 both from a positive angle, analysing expected changes in the behaviour of firms, and from a normative angle, assessing the different arguments for policy interventions by governments. The analysis generates three main conclusions. First, the COVID‐19 pandemic could contribute to diversification of sources of supply whose extent will vary by sector depending on the costs of value chain reorganisation. The pandemic, by contrast, is not likely to contribute much to re‐shoring, the return of manufacturing activities to industrialised countries, which is more likely to be driven by pre‐existing trends such as rising factor costs in emerging countries, increasing uncertainty about trade policy, and robotization and automation of production. Second, the pandemic has led to increased attention to the provision of essential goods in situations of crisis. Third, the largest risk for the global economy in the aftermath of the pandemic is a move away from open, non‐discriminatory trade policies, which would jeopardise the large benefits of open trade regimes in the current global economy characterised by scale economies, innovation spillovers, and a global division of labour.
Offshoring and the dynamics of employment, production, and imports: Evidence from the German International Sourcing Survey
Authors: Kaus Wolfhard , Zimmermann Markus
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses the effect of offshoring on firm outcomes, using data from Germany's International Sourcing Survey (ISS) 2017 linked to other firm‐level data. We use a direct, survey‐based measure of offshoring on the extensive margin, namely whether a firm has relocated business functions abroad that were previously performed domestically within the firm. The analysis proceeds in two parts. First, difference‐in‐differences propensity score matching estimates reveal a negative effect of offshoring on domestic employment and production. However, most of this effect is not because the offshoring firms shrink, but because they do not grow as fast as the non‐offshoring firms. We further decompose the underlying employment dynamics using direct survey evidence on how many jobs the firms destroyed/created due to offshoring. Second, we analyse changes in the mix of import goods. Offshoring firms increase the share of ‘produced goods imports’, that is goods which are both imported and produced domestically by the firm. In contrast, offshoring firms do not increase the share of intermediate goods imports (a commonly used proxy for offshoring), as defined by the BEC Rev. 5 classification.
Clinicopathologic description of a cutaneous melanocytic tumor in a 1‐year‐old cat
Authors: Bae Min‐Kyung , Cha Ji‐Woo , Lim Ha‐Young , Kim Chae‐Wook , Han Se‐Hee , Sur Jung‐Hyang , Yhee Ji‐Young
Published: June 2024

A feline cutaneous melanocytic tumor in a 1‐year‐old cat is reported. The cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of the pediatric feline cutaneous melanocytoma are included. A solitary, black‐colored nodule on the head was histologically diagnosed as the epithelioid type of melanocytoma. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic melanocytes demonstrated immunoreactivity to the S100 and MelanA antibodies but not to the PNL2 antibody. Despite high mitotic counts (17/10HPFs) and a Ki67 index (33%) suggesting malignant melanoma, the patient exhibited a favorable 5‐month outcome. The mitotic activity of the neoplastic cells may not provide a reliable prediction for feline melanocytic tumors.
UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL: INVESTIGATING TENSILE STRENGTH GRADE STRESSES IN STRUCTURAL-SIZED MALAYSIAN TROPICAL TIMBER IN ACCORDANCE TO BS EN 408
Authors: Za'ba Nurul Izzatul Lydia , Ahmad Zakiah , Raja Hussin Tengku Anita , Azmi Anis , Mohamad Bhkari Norshariza , Wei Chen Lum
Published: June 2024

There is no direct measurement of tensile strength have been determined for Malaysian tropical hardwood. The usual approach is to consider the tensile strength of timber as 60% of the small clear specimen's bending strength values, as specified in MS 544: Part 2:2001. However, this method proves inadequate for engineering applications as it fails to provide precise and accurate values. Therefore, in this study, nine (9) species of Malaysian tropical hardwoods were selected namely Balau (Shorea spp.), Kempas (Koompassia Malaccensis), Kelat (Syzygium spp.) Kapur (Dryobalanops spp.), Resak (Vatica spp.), Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.), Mengkulang (Heritiera spp.), Light Red Meranti (Shorea spp.) and Geronggang (Cratoxylum spp.). The specimens were tested in structural sizes and subjected to tensile strength testing in accordance with BS EN 408:2010. Subsequently, the results were transformed into grade stresses following the guidelines of MS 544: Part 3. The lowest mean tensile strength (42.23N/mm2) and Modulus of Elasticity (11972N/mm2) was obtained by the lowest density timber Light Red Meranti while the highest mean tensile strength (84.46N/mm2) and highest Modulus of Elasticity (21329N/mm2) was obtained by the high density Kempas species although not excelled by the highest density of the investigated species. The evaluation also indicated that the grade stresses of the structural specimens in this study surpass those published in MS 544: Part 3.
Adolescent health and well-being check-up programme in three African cities (Y-Check): protocol for a multimethod, prospective, hybrid implementation-effectiveness study
Authors: Banati Prerna , Ross David Anthony , Weobong Benedict , Kapiga Saidi , Weiss Helen Anne , Baltag Valentina , Nzvere Farirai , Glozah Franklin , Nsanya Mussa Kelvin , Greco Giulia , Ferrand Rashida , Doyle Aoife Margaret
Published: June 2024

Background

During adolescence, behaviours are initiated that will have substantial impacts on the individual’s short-term and long-term health and well-being. However, adolescents rarely have regular contact with health services, and available services are not always appropriate for their needs. We co-developed with adolescents a health and well-being check-up programme (Y-Check). This paper describes the methods to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, short-term effects and cost-effectiveness of Y-Check in three African cities.

Method

This is a multi-country prospective intervention study, with a mixed-method process evaluation. The intervention involves screening, on-the-spot care and referral of adolescents through health and well-being check-up visits. In each city, 2000 adolescents will be recruited in schools or community venues. Adolescents will be followed-up at 4 months. The study will assess the effects of Y-Check on knowledge and behaviours, as well as clinical outcomes and costs. Process and economic evaluations will investigate acceptability, feasibility, uptake, fidelity and cost effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been received from the WHO (WHO/ERC Protocol ID Number ERC.0003778); Ghana Health Service (Protocol ID Number GHS-ERC: 027/07/22), the United Republic of Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (Clearance No. NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/4199), the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (Approval Number MRCZ/A/2766) and the LSHTM (Approval Numbers 26 395 and 28312). Consent and disclosure are addressed in the paper. Results will be published in three country-specific peer-reviewed journal publications, and one multicountry publication; and disseminated through videos, briefs and webinars. Data will be placed into an open access repository. Data will be deidentified and anonymised.

Trial registration number

NCT06090006.
First-line treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and hip-related quality of life: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing a 6-month supervised strength exercise intervention to usual care (the Better Hip Trial)
Authors: Foldager Frederik Nicolai , Kierkegaard-Brøchner Signe , Kemp Joanne L , van Tulder Maurits W , Lund Bent , Mygind-Klavsen Bjarne , Bibby Bo Martin , Dalgas Ulrik , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a motion-related and position-related clinical condition of the hip associated with pain, reduced physical function and hip-related quality of life (QoL). Interestingly, higher maximal muscle strength is associated with less pain, better physical function and improved QoL in people with FAIS. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggests that a proportion of patients with FAIS respond positively to strength exercise as first-line treatment. Nonetheless, there is little evidence supporting a specific exercise intervention offered as a first-line treatment. We will conduct a randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-month strength exercise intervention compared with usual care as first-line treatment in patients with FAIS.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that will be conducted at hospitals and physiotherapy clinics across Denmark and Australia. A total of 120 patients with FAIS will be randomised (1:1) to 6 months of supervised strength exercise or usual care. The primary outcome is the change in hip-related QoL measured using the International Hip and Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT-33) from baseline to the end of intervention. A health economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal and healthcare perspective based on the data collection over a 12-month period starting at baseline. The analysis will calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios using quality-adjusted life-years and iHOT-33 scores while estimating costs using microcosting and cost questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include objectively measured physical function at baseline and after 6 months and patient-reported outcomes measured at baseline, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Central Denmark Region (journal no 1-10-72-45-23) and La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee (HEC24042) and is registered at the Central Denmark Region List of Research Projects (journal no 1-16-02-115-23). Informed consent will be obtained from each participant before randomisation. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05927935.
Determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women: a case–control study in East Shoa Zone public hospitals, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Oyato Befekadu Tesfaye , Debele Tirunesh , Edosa Dejene , Abasimel Husen Zakir , Awol Mukemil , Kebede Eleni Tesfaye , Gezahagn Andualem , Desta Adugna Alemu , Alemu Fikadu Tolesa , Asfaw Samuel Boja
Published: June 2024

Objective

To identify determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women attending East Shoa Zone public hospitals, Central Ethiopia, 2023.

Design and setting

An institutional-based, unmatched case–control study was conducted from 19 June 2023 to 4 September 2023, in East Shoa Zone public hospitals.

Participants

495 postpartum women (100 cases and 395 controls) were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and from medical charts using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The AOR with its corresponding 95% CI was used to identify determinant variables. Findings were presented in texts and tables.

Outcome measures

The medical charts of participants were reviewed to identify those who had developed puerperal sepsis.

Results

Anaemia (AOR 6.05; 95% CI 2.57 to 14.26), undernourishment (AOR 4.43; 95% CI 1.96 to 10.01), gestational diabetes mellitus (AOR 3.26; 95% CI 1.22 to 8.74), postpartum haemorrhage (AOR 3.17; 95% CI 1.28 to 7.87), obstructed labour (AOR 2.76; 95% CI 1.17 to 6.52), multiparity (AOR 2.54; 95% CI 1.17 to 5.50), placenta previa (AOR 2.27; 95% CI 1.11 to 4.67) and vaginal examination ≥5 times (AOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.05 to 4.54) were the independent determinants of puerperal sepsis in this study.

Conclusion

This study found that gestational diabetes mellitus, anaemia, undernourishment, placenta previa, obstructed labour, postpartum haemorrhage and five or more per-vaginal examinations during labour were the determinants of puerperal sepsis. Therefore, it is recommended that obstetric care providers strictly adhere to guidelines on the number of vaginal exams that should be performed throughout labour and that they perform these exams using the appropriate infection-prevention techniques. In addition, they should provide comprehensive health education on nutrition during pregnancy and postnatal periods and the importance of iron supplements.