bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle patterns in European preschoolers: Associations with socio‐demographic factors and body mass index
Authors: Descarpentrie Alexandra , Calas Lucinda , Cornet Maxime , Heude Barbara , Charles Marie‐Aline , Avraam Demetris , Brescianini Sonia , Cadman Tim , Elhakeem Ahmed , Fernández‐Barrés Sílvia , Harris Jennifer R. , Inskip Hazel , Julvez Jordi , Llop Sabrina , Margetaki Katerina , Maritano Silvia , Nader Johanna Lucia Thorbjornsrud , Roumeliotaki Theano , Salika Theodosia , Subiza‐Pérez Mikel , Vafeiadi Marina , Vrijheid Martine , Wright John , Yang Tiffany , Dargent‐Molina Patricia , Lioret Sandrine
Published: October 2023

Background

Energy balance‐related behaviours (EBRBs), that is, dietary intake, screen, outdoor play and sleep, tend to combine into ‘lifestyle patterns’, with potential synergistic influences on health. To date, studies addressing this theme mainly focused on school children and rarely accounted for sleep, with a cross‐country perspective.

Objectives

We aimed at comparing lifestyle patterns among preschool‐aged children across Europe, their associations with socio‐demographic factors and their links with body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Harmonized data on 2–5‐year‐olds participating in nine European birth cohorts from the EU Child Cohort Network were used (EBRBs, socio‐demographics and anthropometrics). Principal component analysis and multivariable linear and logistic regressions were performed.

Results

The most consistent pattern identified across cohorts was defined by at least three of the following EBRBs: discretionary consumption, high screen time, low outdoor play time and low sleep duration. Consistently, children from low‐income households and born to mothers with low education level had higher scores on this pattern compared to their socioeconomically advantaged counterparts. Furthermore, it was associated with higher BMI z‐scores in the Spanish and Italian cohorts (β = 0.06, 95% CI = [0.02; 0.10], both studies).

Conclusion

These findings may be valuable in informing early multi‐behavioural interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities in health at a European scale.
Controversies in terminology associated with management of BCG‐unresponsive NMIBC in Asia‐Pacific
Authors: Kikuchi Eiji , Ng Chi‐Fai , Kitamura Hiroshi , Ku Ja Hyeon , Lee Lui Shiong , Lin Tzu‐Ping , Ng Junice Yi Siu , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Poon Darren Ming‐Chun , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Seo Ho Kyung , Spiteri Carmel , Tan Ee Min , Tsai Yuh‐Shyan , Tran Ben
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Examine the understanding of terminologies and management patterns of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)‐unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in six territories in Asia‐Pacific.

Methods

This study involved two phases: (1) a survey with 32 urologists and 7 medical oncologists (MOs) and (2) a factorial experiment and in‐depth interviews with 23 urologists and 2 MOs. All clinicians had ≥8 years' experience managing NMIBC patients in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Data from Phase 1 were summarized using descriptive statistics; content and thematic analyses applied in Phase 2.

Results

In phase 1, 35% of clinicians defined BCG‐unresponsive as BCG‐refractory, ‐relapse and ‐resistant, 6% defined it as BCG‐refractory and ‐relapse; 22% classified BCG‐failure as BCG‐refractory, ‐relapse, ‐resistant, and when muscle‐invasive bladder cancer is detected. If eligible and willing, 50% (interquartile range [IQR], 50%–80%) of BCG‐unresponsive patients would undergo radical cystectomy (RC), and 50% (IQR 20%–50%) of RC‐eligible patients would receive bladder‐sparing treatment or surveillance. In phase 2, we found that 32%, 88%, and 48% of clinicians, respectively, used “BCG‐unresponsive,” “BCG‐refractory,” and “BCG‐relapse” in clinical practice but with no consistent interpretation of the terms. Compared with EAU definitions, 8%–60% of clinicians appropriately classified 9 tumor types that are persistent or recurrent after adequate BCG. Fifty percent of clinicians mentioned a lack of bladder‐preserving treatment that outperforms RC in quality of life as a reason to retreat BCG‐unresponsive patients with BCG.

Conclusions

Our study revealed varied understanding and application of BCG‐unresponsive terminologies in practice. There is a need for a uniform and simple definition of BCG‐unresponsive disease in Asia‐Pacific.
Long‐term stability (21–30 years) of root coverage outcomes using sub‐epithelial connective tissue grafts at single or multiple gingival recessions: A longitudinal case series
Authors: Bertoldi Carlo , Consolo Ugo , Lalla Michele , Zaffe Davide , Tanza Donato , Cairo Francesco , Cortellini Pierpaolo
Published: October 2023

Aim

To evaluate outcomes and predictive factors for the long‐term stability of root coverage using a sub‐epithelial connective tissue graft.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred and two healthy subjects (221 gingival recessions, GRs) were treated from 1987 to 1996. Keratinized tissue width (KTW), GR depth (RD), GR width (RW) and GR area (RA) were evaluated at baseline (M0) and at 1 month (M1), 1 year (M2), 11 years (M3), 21 years (M4) and 27 years (M5) after surgery. Primary outcomes consisted of complete root coverage (cRC) and relative dimensional changes in recession depth (measured in mm [c%‐RD]), recession width (measured in mm [c%‐RW]) and recession area (measured in mm2 [c%‐RA]).

Results

cRC was 88.7% at 1 year (M2), 59.8% at M3, 44.4% at M4 and 51.9% at M5. Average c%‐RD was 95.2% at 1 year, 81.9% at M3, 71.5% at M4 and 81.7% at M5. KTW increased after surgery and over time and was positively correlated with favourable outcomes. Increased baseline RA was associated with less favourable clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

The sub‐epithelial connective tissue graft is effective in the treatment of GRs and facilitates long‐term stability of clinical outcomes. Wider baseline RA was a strong predictor of unfavourable short‐ and long‐term RC outcomes.
Concurrent and prospective associations between family socioeconomic status, social support and salivary diurnal and hair cortisol in adolescence
Authors: Cantave Christina Y. , Brendgen Mara , Lupien Sonia , Dionne Ginette , Vitaro Frank , Boivin Michel , Ouellet‐Morin Isabelle
Published: October 2023

Background

Exposure to socioeconomic adversity is hypothesized to impact hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity and cortisol secretion, but existing evidence is inconsistent. Yet, few studies have investigated this association using a developmental approach that considers potential protective contextual factors. This study examined the role of stability and changes in family socioeconomic status (SES) in the prediction of multiple cortisol indicators and tested whether social support moderated these associations.

Methods

Participants were part of a population‐based sample of twin pairs recruited at birth. Family SES was assessed in early childhood (ages 0–5) and mid‐adolescence (age 14). Social support was assessed at ages 14 and 19. Diurnal cortisol (n = 569) was measured at age 14 at awakening, 30 min later, in the afternoon and evening over four non‐consecutive days. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC, n = 704) was measured at age 19. All data were collected before the pandemic and multilevel regression models were conducted to account for the nested data structure.

Results

Youth exposed to lower family SES levels in childhood and mid‐adolescence had a flatter diurnal slope and higher HCC compared with those who experienced upward socioeconomic mobility in mid‐adolescence. Contrastingly, mid‐adolescence SES showed no association with the diurnal slope or HCC for youth from higher‐SES households in early childhood. Moreover, youth raised in higher‐SES families in early childhood had a higher CAR in mid‐adolescence if they reported greater social support in mid‐adolescence. Social support also moderated the SES‐cortisol association in mid‐adolescence, with higher‐SES youth showing higher awakening cortisol secretion when reporting more social support.

Conclusions

Our findings support the hypothesis that early socioeconomic adversity sensitizes HPA axis activity to later socioeconomic disadvantage, which may bear consequences for socioemotional and behavioral functioning.
Sympathetic skin response for early detection of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy
Authors: Liu Hongying , Tan Sheng , Ma Zhenyu , Gao Qingchun , Yang Weihong
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) are common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although nerve conduction studies (NCS) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) can detect DPN, the more sensitive method for early diagnosis remains unclear. Furthermore, whether DPN can be used as a predictor for diabetic nephropathy needs clarification.

Methods

We evaluated nerve conduction studies, sympathetic skin response, and the diabetic nephropathy indicator microalbuminuria (MAU) in 192 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 50 healthy controls.

Results

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus showed a lower sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV), sensory active nerve potential (SNAP), motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV), and compound motor action potential (CMAP) than the controls on NCS. Abnormal rates for nerve conduction studies and sympathetic skin response were 75.0% and 83.3%, respectively, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, 54.2% of patients with normal nerve conduction studies had an abnormal sympathetic skin response. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between sympathetic skin response and microalbuminuria for the first time. The abnormal rate of microalbuminuria was 53.8%, lower than that of abnormal nerve conduction studies or sympathetic skin response patients.

Conclusion

Sympathetic skin response is a more sensitive method than nerve conduction studies for the early diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Abnormal sympathetic skin response might serve as an indicator for early diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, diabetic peripheral neuropathy may occur earlier than diabetic nephropathy in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mass mortality events associated with cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) infection in wild Prussian carp Carassius gibelio in the Netherlands, and molecular biology of virus strains
Authors: Kurobe Tomofumi , Kurita Jun , Haenen Olga , Voorbergen‐Laarman Michal , Ito Takafumi
Published: October 2023

In 2011 and 2015, four mass mortalities of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) were observed in a recreational freshwater lake and open freshwater in the western part of the Netherlands. Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) infection was suspected in these cases, based on presumptive gross diagnosis. To elucidate the cause of the mass mortalities diagnostic PCR assays were performed for CyHV‐2, based on the helicase gene. Furthermore, the viral isolates were genotyped by sequencing the enlarged marker A and marker B sequences. Diagnostic PCR revealed that three of four samples were positive for CyHV‐2, indicating these three mass mortalities were associated with CyHV‐2 infection. The marker A sequence from one of the isolates found in this study was identical to those from different locations such as Asia and Middle East, suggesting a link among the isolates. This is the first detailed report on mass mortalities of Prussian carp associated with CyHV‐2 infection in natural aquatic environments in the Netherlands. Since 2015, additionally, in total three CyHV‐2 associated outbreaks of Dutch Prussian carp were seen in 2016 and 2020. These outbreaks in Prussian carp from lakes and open water suggest that the virus has been spreading in natural freshwaters in the Netherlands.
Use of new STOPP/START criteria in the care of older adults
Authors: Hanlon Joseph T. , Schmader Kenneth E.
Published: October 2023

This article comments on the article by Rochon et al. in this issue.
Audit evidence, technology, and judgement: A review of the literature in response to ED‐500
Authors: Barr‐Pulliam Dereck , Calvin Christopher G. , Eulerich Marc , Maghakyan Arpine
Published: October 2023

In October 2022, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued Exposure Draft 500 (ED‐500). This is focused on revising and integrating the standard auditors use when evaluating audit evidence during an external audit. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse as the IAASB evaluates feedback to ED‐500 and executes its standard‐setting agenda. We review academic literature published in the past 10 years to synthesize extant knowledge specifically on the use of technology and the application of professional skepticism during audit evidence evaluation. Our review offers factors the IAASB should consider when seeking to modernize and future‐proof its standards, suggesting improvements to the proposed ED‐500. We also identify fruitful avenues for future academic research.
The multidimensional nature of career self‐management behaviours and their relation to facets of employability
Authors: Wilhelm Francisco , Hirschi Andreas , Schläpfer Dawa
Published: October 2023

Career self‐management (CSM) has attracted increased scholarly interest, but definitional issues and the lack of an integrative understanding constrain research on the topic. In two studies, we seek to clarify the nature and dimensionality of CSM behaviour, examine the relation of specific dimensions to the general construct and investigate the relation of different CSM behaviours to facets of employability. In Study 1, we used a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to identify seven key CSM behaviours: (a) impression management, (b) building contacts, (c) using contacts, (d) human capital development, (e) goal setting and planning, (f) self‐exploration and (g) mobility‐oriented behaviour. Across two samples in Study 2 (combined N = 1065), we examined the relation of the seven behaviours to the general CSM construct and their relation to facets of employability in a time‐lagged analysis. The results show that CSM behaviours are best modelled as a bifactor structure with a general dimension and seven specific behaviours. Specific CSM behaviours explained unique variance in specific facets of employability. In sum, the studies clarify our understanding of CSM's nature, dimensionality, structure, and nomological net.
Interproximal contact loss between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sheba Moamen , Floriani Franciele , Nimmo Arthur , Ercoli Carlo , Hosney Sherif
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of interproximal contact loss (ICL) between implant restorations and adjacent teeth in relation to age, gender, follow‐up time, and arch location.

Methods

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). The formulated population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was “What is the prevalence of the ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth?” The search strategy used four main electronic databases and an additional manual search was performed until February 2023. Clinical studies that evaluated the prevalence of interproximal open contact between implant restorations and adjacent teeth were included. A qualitative analysis for clinical studies was used to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a single‐arm meta‐analysis of proportion was performed to evaluate the percentage of mesial versus distal open contact and total ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth.

Results

Fifteen studies published between 2014 and 2023 met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies presented ICL rates higher than 20%. All studies evaluated ICL in posterior regions (molar, premolar area). Five studies had an ICL rate lower than 50% and three studies had an ICL rate higher than 50%. One study assessed the interproximal contact at three months post‐restoration insertion, four studies assessed the interproximal contact at 1‐year follow‐up and nine studies evaluated the interproximal contact over 2 years of follow‐up. Mesial and distal ICL rates were 44.2% (95% CI: 30.6% to 58.6%) and 27.5% (95% CI: 10.5% to 55.0%), respectively. The heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 (95% CI) = 87.8% (75.9% to 93.8%).

Conclusion

Based on the results of the included studies, the prevalence of ICL was high, occurring more frequently at the mesial contact. There were no significant differences in relation to age, gender, and arch location.
Augmentative and alternative communication continuing education programs for multidisciplinary teams—Does it make a difference?
Authors: Hetzroni Orit E. , Ne'eman Adi
Published: October 2023

Although augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has been in use for several decades, many multidisciplinary teams do not implement the available knowledge in their practice. Limited availability of AAC programs has been purported as a reason for its limited use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a dynamic intensive continuing education program aimed to provide multidisciplinary teams with theoretical and practical knowledge in AAC, teamwork, literacy, and family issues regarding the application of AAC for individuals with complex communication needs, on the participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and myths. A mixed method was used to investigate two out‐service and three in‐service continuing education programs consisting of 136 multidisciplinary staff members. Results demonstrate that participants gained knowledge and skills, changed attitudes, and refuted previously held myths. Participants reported changes in practice and in collaboration within their teams, with individuals at their settings, and with their families.
Climate shocks and nutrition: The role of food security policies and programs in enhancing maternal and neonatal survival in Niger
Authors: Walton Shelley , Jessani Nasreen S. , Jue‐Wong Heather , Hazel Elizabeth A. , Akseer Nadia , Kante Almamy Malick , Youssoufa Ousseini , Heidkamp Rebecca , Bamogo Assanatou , Amouzou Agbessi
Published: October 2023

Niger is afflicted with high rates of poverty, high fertility rates, frequent environmental crises, and climate change. Recurrent droughts and floods have led to chronic food insecurity linked to poor maternal and neonatal nutrition outcomes in vulnerable regions. We analyzed maternal and neonatal nutrition trends and subnational variability between 2000 and 2021 with a focus on the implementation of policies and programs surrounding two acute climate shocks in 2005 and 2010. We used four sources of data: (a) national household surveys for maternal and newborn nutritional indicators allowing computation of trends and differences at national and regional levels; (b) document review of food security reports; (c) 30 key informant interviews and; (d) one focus group discussion. Many food security policies and nutrition programs were enacted from 2000 to 2020. Gains in maternal and neonatal nutrition indicators were more significant in targeted vulnerable regions of Maradi, Zinder, Tahoua and Tillabéri, from 2006 to 2021. However, poor access to financial resources for policy execution and suboptimal implementation of plans have hindered progress. In response to the chronic climate crisis over the last 20 years, the Nigerien government and program implementers have demonstrated their commitment to reducing food insecurity and enhancing resilience to climate shocks by adopting a deliberate multisectoral effort. However, there is more that can be achieved with a continued focus on vulnerable regions to build resilience, targeting high risk populations, and investing in infrastructure to improve health systems, food systems, agriculture systems, education systems, and social protection.
Long live the host! Proteomic analysis reveals possible strategies for parasitic manipulation of its social host
Authors: Hartke Juliane , Ceron‐Noriega Alejandro , Stoldt Marah , Sistermans Tom , Kever Marion , Fuchs Jenny , Butter Falk , Foitzik Susanne
Published: October 2023

Parasites with complex life cycles often manipulate the phenotype of their intermediate hosts to increase the probability of transmission to their definitive hosts. Infection with Anomotaenia brevis, a cestode that uses Temnothorax nylanderi ants as intermediate hosts, leads to a multiple‐fold extension of host lifespan and to changes in behaviour, morphology and colouration. The mechanisms behind these changes are unknown, as is whether the increased longevity is achieved through parasite manipulation. Here, we demonstrate that the parasite releases proteins into its host with functions that might explain the observed changes. These parasitic proteins make up a substantial portion of the proteome of the hosts' haemolymph, and thioredoxin peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, two antioxidants, exhibited the highest abundances among them. The largest part of the secreted proteins could not be annotated, indicating they are either novel or severely altered during recent coevolution to function in host manipulation. We also detected shifts in the hosts' proteome with infection, in particular an overabundance of vitellogenin‐like A in infected ants, a protein that regulates division of labour in Temnothorax ants, which could explain the observed behavioural changes. Our results thus suggest two different strategies that might be employed by this parasite to manipulate its host: secreting proteins with immediate influence on the host's phenotype and altering the host's translational activity. Our findings highlight the intricate molecular interplay required to influence the phenotype of a host and point to potential signalling pathways and genes involved in parasite–host communication.
Genetic features of bivalve transmissible neoplasia in blue mussels from the Kola Bay (Barents Sea) suggest a recent trans‐Arctic migration of the cancer lineages
Authors: Skazina Maria , Ponomartsev Nikita , Maiorova Mariia , Khaitov Vadim , Marchenko Julia , Lentsman Natalia , Odintsova Nelly , Strelkov Petr
Published: October 2023

Ecology and biogeography of bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN) are underexplored due to its recent discovery and a challenging diagnostics. Blue mussels harbour two evolutionary lineages of BTN, MtrBTN1 and MtrBTN2, both derived from Mytilus trossulus. MtrBTN1 has been found only in M. trossulus from North Pacific. MtrBTN2 parasitizes different Mytilus spp. worldwide. BTN in M. trossulus in the Atlantic sector has never been studied. We looked for BTN in mussels from the Barents Sea using flow cytometry of cells, qPCR with primers specific to cancer‐associated alleles and sequencing of mtDNA and nuclear loci. Both MtrBTN1 and MtrBTN2 were present in our material, though their prevalence was low (~0.4%). All cancers parasitized M. trossulus except one, MtrBTN1, which was found in a hybrid between M. trossulus and M. edulis. The mtDNA haplotypes found in both lineages were nearly identical to those known from the Northwest Pacific but not from elsewhere. Our results suggest that these two lineages may have arrived in the Barents Sea in recent decades with the maritime transport along the Northern Sea Route. A young evolutionary age of MtrBTN1 seems to indicate that it is an emerging disease in the process of niche expansion. Comparing the new and the published sequence data on tumour suppressor p53, we proved that the prevalence of BTN in mussels can reach epizootic levels. The finding of diverse recombinants between paternally and maternally inherited mtDNAs in somatic tissues of M. trossulus was an unexpected result of our study.
Thinking through critical posthumanism: Nursing as political and affirmative becoming
Authors: Laurin Annie‐Claude , Martin Patrick
Published: October 2023

As a rejection and continuous reframing of theoretical humanism, critical posthumanism questions and imagines the human condition in the current context, aligning it with nonhuman and more than human entities, past and future. While this philosophical approach has been referenced in many academic disciplines since the 1990s, it has been gradually garnering interest among nursing scholars, leading to questions such as what it means to be human and what it means to be a nurse in the here and now. As a deeply ethical and political project, posthumanism, which we associate with poststructuralist concepts of power and resistance, questions the formation of posthuman subjects who more accurately reflect complex times, characterized by capitalistic commodification of life—human and nonhuman. In this article, we aim to explore how the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of critical posthumanism, specifically through Rosi Braidotti's works, can be useful to understand a posthuman subjectivity that favors affirmative actions aimed at actualizing our world in becoming. Through examples in nursing practice, education, and research, we will explore not only how critical posthumanism allows us to frame transformations in the current situation that we are embedded in as nurses and more generally as beings but also how these examples allow us to move beyond critique to the actualization of affirmative actions that correspond to the creation of new worlds.
Corticosteroid‐induced chromatin loop dynamics at the FKBP5 gene
Authors: Wang Cheng , Manders Freek , Groh Laszlo , Oldenkamp Roel , Logie Colin
Published: October 2023

FKBP5 is a 115‐kb‐long glucocorticoid‐inducible gene implicated in psychiatric disorders. To investigate the complexities of chromatin interaction frequencies at the FKBP5 topologically associated domain (TAD), we deployed 15 one‐to‐all chromatin capture viewpoints near gene promoters, enhancers, introns, and CTCF‐loop anchors. This revealed a “one‐TAD‐one‐gene” structure encompassing the FKBP5 promoter and its enhancers. The FKBP5 promoter and its two glucocorticoid‐stimulated enhancers roam the entire TAD while displaying subtle cell type–specific interactomes. The FKBP5 TAD consists of two nested CTCF loops that are coordinated by one CTCF site in the eighth intron of FKBP5 and another beyond its polyadenylation site, 61 kb further. Loop extension correlates with transcription increases through the intronic CTCF site. This is efficiently compensated for, since the short loop is restored even under high transcription regimes. The boundaries of the FKBP5 TAD consist of divergent CTCF site patterns, harbor multiple smaller genes, and are resilient to glucocorticoid stimulation. Interestingly, both FKBP5 TAD boundaries harbor H3K27me3‐marked heterochromatin blocks that may reinforce them. We propose that cis‐acting genetic and epigenetic polymorphisms underlying FKBP5 expression variation are likely to reside within a 240‐kb region that consists of the FKBP5 TAD, its left sub‐TAD, and both its boundaries.
Safety and accuracy of neonatal continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Ohishi Akira , Ueno Daizo , Fujita Tomoka , Segawa Yuki , Yamamoto Takuya , Fujisawa Yasuko , Iijima Shigeo
Published: October 2023

Background

Hypoglycemia is a significant problem for all neonates and requires minimally invasive and reliable monitoring. The primary objective of this study was to verify the safety and accuracy of the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) of full‐term neonates using Freestyle Libre, a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) device.

Methods

The study was conducted on 20 neonates. Shortly after birth, we placed the FGM sensor on the outside of the neonates' thighs. We scanned the CGM values at 60, 120, 180, and 360 min after birth and simultaneously obtained blood glucose values with plantar capillaries by heel puncture. The neonates wore the sensors for up to 6 h and then they were removed.

Results

Of the 75 data points to be measured, 65 points (86.7%) were obtained by scan. There was no change in the sensor attachment site in 12 of 18 completed cases in this study but we observed slight induration in four cases (22.2%) and slight redness in one case (5.5%) at the sensor puncture site. A moderate correlation was observed between the CGM and blood glucose values. The CGM values tended to be low at 120, 180, and 360 min after birth, and tended to be high only at 60 min after birth.

Conclusions

The CGM device was safe to wear on the neonate and the CGM data correlated well with blood glucose levels. There was dissociation between CGM data and blood glucose levels in the acute period soon after birth when the blood glucose levels changed rapidly.
Natural course of acute COVID‐19 among healthy children in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Kondo Ryota , Iijima Hiroyuki , Funaki Takanori , Ishiguro Akira , Ogimi Chikara
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous studies have reported the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a cross‐sectional fashion; however, the natural course of each symptom based on a daily basis during the acute phase has not yet been clarified. This retrospective study aimed to describe the natural course of COVID‐19 in children according to dominant variants.

Methods

We conducted our study on symptomatic children with COVID‐19 who were hospitalized at the National Center for Child Health and Development, in Japan. We excluded patients who were observed for less than 9 days and those with underlying disease, COVID‐19 vaccination, coinfection, complications, or therapeutic intervention. We collected the data on each participant's age at admission, sex, medical history, observation period, hospitalization period, SARS‐CoV‐2 test results, and 10 daily symptoms in the first 9 days from the illness onset.

Results

Eventually, 115 children were included in this study. The prevalence of fever during the omicron era declined more rapidly over time than that during the pre‐omicron era. The prevalence of cough and rhinorrhea did not decline during the observation period, and these clinical manifestations were more common during the pre‐omicron era at any point. The prevalence of dysgeusia and/or dysosmia steadily increased over time in the pre‐omicron era. This study demonstrated that the prevalence of some symptoms differed not only at the onset but also over time during the acute phase.

Conclusion

Details of the natural clinical course of children with COVID‐19 help primary care physicians to manage these patients.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment follow‐up, and prediction of cardiac complications in Chagas disease in chronic phase: Recent advances
Authors: Morales‐Velásquez Mateo , Barón‐Vera Juan Pablo , Osorio‐Pulgarín María Isabel , Sánchez‐Jiménez Miryan Margot , Ospina‐Villa Juan David
Published: October 2023

Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and is transmitted by infected triatomine bugs. This infection affects approximately 8 million people in the Americas, and due to globalisation and displacement, it is becoming increasingly common to find infected patients worldwide. Diagnosis of the disease in its acute form is relatively simple, as the parasite can be detected in peripheral blood smears, and symptoms are visible. However, in its chronic condition, the parasite is almost undetectable, and indirect tests are necessary to determine the presence of antibodies in infected patients. It is important to note that a single test is not enough to confirm the disease in this phase, as a second serological test should confirm the diagnosis. If the results are contradictory, a third test should be performed to confirm or discard the disease. Unfortunately, laboratories may not have access to all necessary tests in many rural areas where the disease is more frequent. Rapid tests to diagnose this disease present problems, such as significant variations in sensitivity and specificity in different countries. Therefore, searching for new biomarkers that allow for optimal correlation is essential. In this work, we have searched scientific literature from the last 10 years for mentions of novel biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment follow‐up, and prediction of cardiac complications in Chagas disease in its chronic phase.
Bright and dark sides of adopting a platform‐based sharing economy business model
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris , Mahto Raj
Published: October 2023

The sharing economy is primarily a socio‐economic concept that is built upon organizations sharing resources between each other. It includes sharing a single platform by multiple organizations. These organizations can be rivals competing in the same marketplace. Often, organizations can share their employees, data, and other resources. Although there are multiple benefits in a platform‐based sharing economy business model, there are some ethical concerns, too. Limited studies have extensively investigated how adopting a platform‐based sharing economy business model could provide both opportunities and challenges impacting the intention of the organizations to adopt this model. From such a perspective, this study aims at an in‐depth investigation of employees' perceptions regarding the intention of adopting sharing economy models through which organizations could enjoy various benefits that overcome the risks. With the help of a resource‐based view with other theories and the extant literature, a conceptual model has been developed, which later has been validated using the PLS–SEM technique considering 376 responses from different organizations in India. This study has demonstrated how the benefits derived from adopting a platform‐based sharing economy business model overcome the risks involved and could motivate organizations to intend to adopt such a business model.
Rent affordability after hurricanes: Longitudinal evidence from US coastal states
Authors: Best Kelsea B. , He Qian , Reilly Allison , Tran Nhi , Niemeier Deb
Published: October 2023

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of natural hazards such as hurricanes. With a severe shortage of affordable housing in the United States, renters may be uniquely vulnerable to disaster‐related housing disruptions due to increased hazard exposure, physical vulnerability of structures, and socioeconomic disadvantage. In this work, we construct a panel dataset consisting of housing, socioeconomic, and hurricane disaster data from counties in 19 states across the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States from 2009 to 2018 to investigate how the frequency and intensity of a hurricane correspond to changes in median rent and housing affordability (the interaction between rent prices and income) over time. Using a two‐stage least square random‐effects regression model, we find that more intense prior‐year hurricanes correspond to increases in median rents via declines in housing availability. The relationship between hurricanes and rent affordability is more complex, though the occurrence of a hurricane in a given year or the previous year reduces affordable rental housing, especially for counties with higher percentages of renters and people of color. Our results highlight the multiple challenges that renters are likely to face following a hurricane, and we emphasize that disaster recovery in short‐ and medium‐term should focus on providing safe, stable, and affordable rental housing assistance.
Double jeopardy? Examining the influence of mathematics tracking on in‐school suspensions through an intersectionality framework
Authors: Edosomwan Kristian , Williams John A.
Published: October 2023

Research has proven that when students are tracked and experience some form of exclusionary discipline, their risk of dropping out of school increases significantly. These effects are compounded for students from low socioeconomic households and students of color. However, there exists a gap in the literature concerning how tracking in specific subjects (mathematics) can influence disciplinary outcomes for students. This study uses the theoretical framework of intersectionality to examine the influence of mathematics tracking while taking into consideration students' identity (socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and gender), on their likelihood of receiving an in‐school suspension (ISS). To examine the effects, we asked the research question: Does tracking in mathematics influence the likelihood of students receiving an ISS in the eleventh grade based on their race/ethnicity, gender, and SES identity? Using both logistic regressions with a reference group and single group, we found that enrollment in a non‐advanced course in the eleventh grade for Asian boys and girls, Latinx girls, multiracial boys and girls, and White boys and girls increased ISS odds more than their racial and SES identity. This study concludes with recommendations for educators seeking to eliminate tracking in secondary schools.
Preservice teachers equitably attending to and interpreting multilingual students' mathematical thinking
Authors: Jensen Jessica L. , Gallagher Melissa A. , Scrivner Shaimaa , Mitchell Morgan Love
Published: October 2023

Research indicates that teachers may hold biases against multilingual learners (MLs). However, there is limited research regarding how teachers notice MLs' mathematical thinking. Given the complexity of teacher noticing and multilinguality, the lead researchers developed the Equitably Attending to and Interpreting a Student's Mathematical Thinking (EAST) framework to support preservice teachers' development of equitable noticing skills. Using a pre‐ and post‐intervention study design and EAST based lessons, we explored differences in preservice teachers' equitable noticing of MLs' mathematical thinking. We collected data on a noticing assessment from two groups of preservice teachers, 21 of whom received the EAST lessons, and 39 of whom received lessons on eliciting and interpreting student thinking without a focus on equity. Preservice teachers in both groups noticed components of the EAST framework, but more often noticed issues of access and achievement, and rarely attended to issues of identity or power. Findings from the study provide insight into what equitable noticing of a MLs' mathematical thinking entails, as well as areas for further development in both teaching and research regarding equitable noticing.
Visual evaluation of soil structure in low‐intensity land use systems of steppe zone of Ukraine
Authors: Yakovenko Volodymyr , Gorban Vadym , Kotovych Oleksander , Didur Oleh , Lisovets Olena
Published: October 2023

The network of natural forests and shelterbelts is a crucial element of agroforestry systems for the efficient and environmentally sustainable land use in Ukraine. From 2016 to 2021, we studied the quality of black soils structure under steppe wildland herbaceous vegetation, man‐made tree plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L., and native forest vegetation of ravines and floodplains in the steppe zone of Ukraine. According to the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) scores, the content of the agronomically valuable fraction (AVF), soil organic carbon (SOC) and earthworm casts, native forest soils (Chernozems and Phaeozems) had a significantly (p < .05) higher soil structural quality in 0–25 cm layer as compared with the Chernozems under the steppe vegetation and shelterbelt plantations. In the conditions of steppe landscapes, VESS methods were shown to provide efficient diagnostics to differentiate the black soil structural quality of low‐intensity land use systems, that is steppe wildlands, shelterbelts, native forests: VESS indicators significantly (p < .05) correlated with quantitative characteristics of soil structure. The most significant dependence was found between VESS parameters and earthworm casts content. The need to improve VESS method was demonstrated, that is to assign higher weight to the earthworm bioturbation process as one of the key indicators of soil structural quality.
Conversion of forest to cinnamon plantation depletes soil carbon stocks in the top metre of the tropical highlands of Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Antony Dedy , Collins Chris D. , Clark Joanna M. , Sizmur Tom
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of conversion from natural forest to cinnamon plantation on the top 1 m soil carbon stocks and soil characteristics. The project was conducted on Andosols of Kerinci Regency, Sumatera, Indonesia, sampling the soil profile under natural forests and a chronosequence of cinnamon plantations of different ages (1, 5 and 10 years). SOC stocks were quantified alongside physical properties (bulk density) and chemical properties (carbon, nitrogen, C/N ratio) to investigate the impact of land conversion. SOC stocks increased 1 year after conversion to cinnamon plantations, but then tended to decrease as the plantations got older. The initial increase was observed alongside decreasing bulk density 1 year after forest conversion to cinnamon plantation, likely as a result of the fresh input of (less dense) pyrogenic soil organic matter as a result of slash and burn practices and transport down the soil profile owing to leaching. In older plantations SOC stocks were lower, probably because organic matter had been decomposed or leached out of the profile. The free particulate organic matter (fPOM) was isolated from selected topsoil and subsoil layers and analysed for carbon, nitrogen, and FTIR analysis. FTIR analysis revealed that topsoil fPOM contained more aromatic functional groups than subsoils and had a higher degree of decomposition. Aromatic and carbohydrate functional groups were initially lower in recently converted cinnamon plantation, but the trend was reversed 10 years after conversion. The initial flush of fresh organic matter into soils after slash and burn provides fPOM with a lower degree of decomposition but is short‐lived and fPOM becomes more microbially processed as the cinnamon plantation ages. We conclude that, after a short term increase brought about by slash and burn, forest conversion to cinnamon plantation in Kerinci Regency depletes SOC stocks both in topsoils and subsoils.
Message in a bubble: the translational potential of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Alqurashi H. , Alsharief M. , Perciato M. L. , Raven B. , Ren K. , Lambert D. W.
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane‐enclosed vesicles released by cells into the extracellular milieu. They are found in all body fluids and contain a variety of functional cargo including DNA, RNA, proteins, glycoproteins and lipids, able to provoke phenotypic responses in cells, both locally and at distant sites. They are implicated in a wide array of physiological and pathological processes and hence have attracted considerable attention in recent years as potential therapeutic targets, drug delivery vehicles and biomarkers of disease. In this review we summarise the major functions of EVs in health and disease and discuss their translational potential, highlighting opportunities of – and challenges to – capitalising on our rapidly increasing understanding of EV biology for patient benefit.

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Development of an Assistive Ankle-Foot Exoskeleton With Sensorized Silicone-Based Insole
Authors: Cheng Tiancheng , Sharifi Mojtaba
Published: October 2023

Millions of people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals suffering from physical deformities rely on assistive devices to perform basic actions and movements. With the increasing number of these individuals, the lack of available medical equipment/assistive personnel, and the size, bulkiness, and cost of assistive devices found in rehabilitation centers, there has been a growing interest in the research for lighter, portable, and cost-effective personal external assistive devices. In this paper, a new prototype of an ankle-foot exoskeleton was engineered with low-cost printed material that maintains structural integrity while providing appropriate comfort and support for the wearer. This ankle-foot exoskeleton was fabricated using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA), common materials used for three-dimensional printing. The printed pieces were combined with zinc-nickel hinge joints to create a one-degree-of-freedom (DOF) support system. Finite element analysis on both fabricated parts indicates an average safety factor of 4 at applied loads of 700 N and 100 N to the foot and calf sections respectively. A pressure insole system consisting of a silicone-based pressure mold, force-sensitive resistors, and a microcontroller circuit was developed to measure foot pressure experienced during standing and stepping motion. This exoskeleton was also subjected to actuation tests via an external torque motor to obtain ankle trajectory profiles at various walking speeds.
Holographic Terahertz Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Wang Lulu , Al-Rawi Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Terahertz (THz) imaging is a promising technology that can accurately detect breast tumors during breast-conserving surgery. Researchers have studied THz imaging and spectroscopy techniques to improve breast tumor detection for the past 20 years. This paper presents the recent development of the holographic THz imaging (HTI) method for identifying breast tumors. To evaluate the effectiveness of this new approach, we have developed a numerical system that includes realistic breast models and an imaging processing model. Through various experiments, we have successfully used the proposed holographic THz imaging method to identify breast tumors. Our results have shown that this method can reconstruct high-quality breast images and accurately detect small tumor inclusions, providing the correct size and location information. Based on these promising results, further investigation is warranted to explore the potential of this approach for breast tumor detection in a faster and more cost-effective manner.
Designing Together: Exploring Collaborative Dynamics of Multi-Objective Design Problems in Virtual Environments
Authors: Roy Debrina , Calpin Nicole , Cheng Kathy , Olechowski Alison , Argüelles Andrea P. , Soria Zurita Nicolás F. , Menold Jessica
Published: October 2023

The pace of technological advancements has been rapidly increasing in recent years, with the advent of artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, and other emerging technologies fundamentally changing the way human beings work. The adoption and integration of these advanced technologies necessitate teams with diverse disciplinary expertise, to help teams remain agile in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Significant disciplinary diversity amongst teams, however, can be detrimental to team communication and performance. Additionally, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption and use of technologies that enable design teams to collaborate across significant geographical distances have become the norm in today's work environments, further complicating communication and performance issues. Little is known about the way in which technology-mediated communication affects the collaborative processes of design. As a first step toward filling this gap, the current work explores the fundamental ways experts from distinct disciplinary backgrounds collaborate in virtual design environments. Specifically, we explore the conversational dynamics between experts from two complementary yet distinct fields: non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM). Using Markov modeling, the study identified distinct communicative patterns that emerged during collaborative design efforts. Our findings suggest that traditional assumptions regarding communication patterns and design dynamics may not be applicable to expert design teams working in virtual environments.