bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychoactive substance use among Russian migrants relocated in Georgia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine: Qualitative study
Authors: Otiashvili David , Mgebrishvili Tamar , Sherozia Mariam , Alania Marika , Kirtadze Irma
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Study aimed at exploring the experience of migrants from Russia who use psychoactive substances, who arrived in Georgia in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Methods

Qualitative individual interviews and focus group discussions. The data collection took place from May to August 2023.

Results

The final sample consisted of 23 respondents, who were mostly young and employed. Participants left Russia because of the war in Ukraine and the threat of conscription in Russia, but also due to political dissent. Participants experienced depressive symptoms and a worsening of mental health conditions. The increased consumption of sedatives and alcohol was closely associated with the efforts to manage stress and depression, acting as a means to cope with adverse effects on mental health. The absence of leisure alternatives emerged as a significant factor, with drug use becoming a feature of socialising in circumstances where such behaviour was not typical in their Russian lives. Participants exhibited low awareness of available relevant health services (including drug‐related) and typically addressed recurrent health needs by consulting Russian specialists online or Russian‐speaking professionals within Georgia's migrant community.

Discussion and Conclusions

Migration was associated with a deterioration in mental health status and substance use often manifested as a maladaptive strategy to cope with mental health problems. The difficulties encountered in the process of assimilation contributed to behaviours related to drug consumption. Immigration policies need to be inclusive of the health needs of migrants and provide opportunity to integrate effectively into society.
Reproducibility of the Motor Optimality Score–Revised in infants with an increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Luke Carly , Bos Arend F. , Jackman Michelle , Ware Robert S. , Gordon Anya , Finn Christine , Baptist Dyvonne H. , Benfer Katherine A. , Bosanquet Margot , Boyd Roslyn N.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To determine reproducibility of the Motor Optimality Score–Revised (MOS‐R) to assess infants at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cerebral palsy (CP), autism, and developmental delays.

Method

Thirty infants (18 males, 12 females, gestational age mean [range] = 32.5 [23–41] weeks) were randomly selected, according to 2‐year outcome (typically developing; CP; or adverse neurodevelopmental outcome [ad‐NDO]) from a prospective cohort. Participants had two General Movements videos between 12 weeks and 15 + 6 weeks corrected age. Six assessors, masked to history and outcomes, independently scored the MOS‐R from videos. Assessors scored either one (Group 1; n = 3) or two videos for each infant (Group 2; n = 3). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Gwet's agreement coefficient, and limits of agreement were calculated.

Results

Combined interassessor reliability (IRR) over six assessors for total MOS‐R was ‘fair’ (ICC = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.72), and ‘excellent’ with consensus agreement (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99). Analyses demonstrated a mean interrater difference of 0.316 (95% limits of agreement −11.51, 12.14) over 450 comparisons (15 pairs). IRR was ‘moderate’ to ‘almost perfect’ across subcategories, with the highest reliability ‘movement patterns’ (Gwet's agreement coefficient = 0.73–1.00) and the lowest ‘postural patterns’ (0.45–0.73). Assessors who scored two videos (Group 2) demonstrated higher reproducibility. IRR for total MOS‐R was ‘excellent’ when infants were typically developing (ICC = 0.90), and ‘good’ for CP (0.74) and ad‐NDO (0.68).

Interpretation

The MOS‐R is a highly reproducible tool for assessing infants at high risk of ad‐NDOs and is feasible for implementation in clinical settings. Reproducibility is best when the tool is used by experienced assessors to gain consensus agreement.
Does Corruption Impede the Accumulation of Human Capital in Developing Countries?
Authors: Dianda Issa
Published: February 2025

We investigate the heterogeneous effect of various types of corruption on human capital accumulation in a sample of 88 developing countries from 2000 to 2018. Quantiles via moments regression is used for our empirical investigation. We find that corruption exerts an adverse effect on human capital accumulation. Moreover, the harmful effect of corruption on human capital accumulation is higher in countries with low stock of human capital and lower in countries with high stock of human capital. In addition, both public sector corruption and regime corruption are detrimental to human capital accumulation, although public sector corruption is the most detrimental. Furthermore, corruption disproportionately affects female human capital compared to male human capital. These results imply that anti‐corruption strategies should be taken into account in the formulation and implementation of policies to improve human capital in developing countries.
Third Mission and Digital Transformation: An Opportunity to Take Advantage
Authors: Proietti Emanuela
Published: February 2025

Digital technologies transformed people's life, business and society. Higher education systems are particularly affected by digital transformation, which can enable new learning and teaching processes, innovative organisational dimensions and services, providing new opportunities for the development of the Third Mission. Digital technologies at the service of HEIs can permit them to reinforce their role of drivers of growth and development for their own ecosystems; represent an opportunity to foster education participation; to develop lifelong and lifewide learning initiatives; to share new cooperation paths with different stakeholders; to promote digital culture as a means for innovation and entrepreneurship; to help actors in their ecosystems adopt and use digital technologies to become more innovative. This paper introduces concepts and definitions on how the digital transformation is affecting HEIs, with reference to the Third Mission and presents the main results of a field research conducted in an international research project.
Real‐world use of cenobamate in adults: Efficacy and predictors of treatment response
Authors: Loushy Itai , Goldstein Lilach , Devlin Kathryn , Volski Anna , Fletman Elizabeth , Alcala‐Zermeno Juan Luis , Porreca Louis , Sperling Michael R.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study assesses the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cenobamate using long‐term real‐world data, incorporating both seizure reduction and seizure‐freedom periods, and examines baseline clinical variables to determine predictors of response.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients prescribed cenobamate from May 2020 to July 2021. The primary outcome was 12‐month seizure frequency reduction for each seizure type, stratified by baseline seizure frequency (higher vs lower frequency: ≥2 seizures vs <2 seizures in the preceding 3 months). Logistic regression identified seizure response predictors. We assessed longest seizure‐free periods, considering seizure type and baseline frequency, further differentiating the higher‐frequency group into weekly and monthly subgroups. We examined retention, safety, and tolerability.

Results

Of 182 patients taking cenobamate, 170 had focal epilepsy. Among those 170, the 12‐month retention rate was 82.4%, decreasing to 75% at last follow‐up. In patients with higher‐frequency baseline seizures, ≥50% seizure reduction rates were 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38%–57%) for focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) and 58% (95% CI = 43%–71%) for focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (FBTCS). In patients with lower‐frequency seizures, rates were 53% for FIAS (95% CI = 31%–74%) and 68% (95% CI = 49%–82%) for FBTCS. Factors linked to 100% seizure reduction were lower baseline seizure frequency, fewer failed medications, and concomitant clobazam use. Most patients achieving seizure freedom did so at 200 mg/day, although higher doses also showed efficacy, particularly for FBTCS. Among patients with seizures affecting awareness, 7%–43% had ≥12 months of freedom from such seizures. Among patients with FBTCS, 17%–56% had ≥12 months of freedom from FBTCS. Patients with higher‐frequency baseline seizures had lower rates of seizure freedom. Adverse effects were reported by 52%, with drowsiness being most common (32%). One patient developed depression necessitating hospitalization.

Significance

Cenobamate is an efficacious drug. Baseline clinical features of seizure type, lower frequency, fewer failed medications, and clobazam use are associated with treatment response and can inform decisions of trialing cenobamate before considering epilepsy surgery.
One‐hertz low‐frequency stimulation of anterior substantia nigra pars reticulata attenuates seizure via biased disinhibitory circuits
Authors: Jiang Dongxiao , Yang Lin , Yu Lilong , Zhang Mengdi , Zhou Yuan , Wang Yi , Ruan Yeping , Fei Fan , Chen Zhong
Published: February 2025

Objective

Low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) targeting key seizure nodes holds promising potential for the treatment of epilepsy. The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) plays an important role in seizure control yet has structural heterogeneity. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of LFS across different subregions of the SNr.

Methods

Different types of seizure models, including kainic acid‐induced hippocampal and neocortical seizure models and a pentetrazol‐induced seizure model, were used to address the therapeutic potential of LFS in different subregions of SNr. Fiber photometry, specific cell ablation, and viral tracing were used to measure the release of different neurotransmitters and heterogeneous circuit organizations of subregions of SNr.

Results

We found that 1‐Hz LFS in the anterior SNr (a‐SNr), but not in the posterior SNr (p‐SNr), generally alleviated seizure severity in all three mouse seizure models. Notably, the antiseizure effects were frequency‐dependent, with 100‐Hz high‐frequency stimulation being less effective and 20‐Hz stimulation having hardly any impact. Regarding the mechanism of the discrepancy, fiber photometry showed that 1‐Hz, rather than 20‐ or 100‐Hz, stimulation in the a‐SNr significantly increased γ‐aminobutyric acid release from exogenous inputs compared with stimulation in the p‐SNr, which was further supported by their biased brain‐wide disinhibitory inputs.

Significance

These results demonstrate that 1‐Hz LFS in the a‐SNr may be of therapeutic significance in various types of seizures, highlighting the necessity to precisely target the a‐SNr at low frequency for seizure treatment.
Implementing intraoperative high‐density electrocorticography during epilepsy surgery
Authors: Schaft Eline V. , Sun Dongqing , Hoogteijling Sem , Wang Ziyi , Leijten Frans S. S. , van Eijsden Pieter , Ramsey Nick F. , Robe Pierre , van 't Klooster Maryse A. , Zijlmans Maeike ,   the RESPect Database Group
Published: February 2025

Objective

In intraoperative electrocorticography (ioECoG)–tailored epilepsy surgery, standard low‐density (LD) electrode grids (16–20 electrodes, 10 mm inter‐electrode distance) are used, covering ±20 cm2 of cortex. High‐density (HD) grids have shown advantages in basic research. We wanted to evaluate the clinical use of HD grids during epilepsy surgery. We assessed how often HD‐ioECoG might have altered the presurgical hypothesis by recording highly localized epileptic spikes and high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) and by facilitating spike‐onset localization.

Methods

Patients undergoing HD‐ioECoG–tailored epilepsy surgery (64 electrodes, 5 mm inter‐electrode distance; 2048 Hz sampling) were selected from our registry (2021–2023). We assessed clinical reports to evaluate the impact on surgical strategy. Intraoperative decision‐making was guided mainly by interictal spikes. We visually marked spikes and HFOs (ripples 80–250 Hz and fast ripples [FRs] 250–500 Hz) in 1‐min artifact‐free epochs. We assessed number of events, and compared channels covering the resected and non‐resected tissue and surgical outcome with logistic mixed models. We assessed focal events, which occurred in few channels and could be missed on LD grids. We analyzed spike‐onset localization with Granger's causality.

Results

We included 36 HD grid positions from 20 patients. HD‐ioECoG would have confirmed the original surgical plans in 11 patients and adapted it in 6. We found 41–5485 spikes, 0–2243 ripples (one patient none), and 0–1008 FR (three patients none) per patient. More FRs occurred in channels covering the resected areas than outside (p < .001), particularly in patients who became seizure‐free (p < .001). Of the spikes, ripples, and FRs, 6.1%, 19.5%, and 46.7%, respectively, occurred on one or two channels; 58.3% of the HD spike‐onset locations might be localized differently with standard LD grids.

Significance

HD‐ioECoG can be used clinically for epilepsy surgery guidance. HD‐ioECoG captured increased detail when identifying focal epileptic events, especially FRs, and pinpointing spike onsets, which may be missed with LD‐ioECoG.
Unveiling the Human Experience of Medicaid Renewals: Using a Data‐Driven and Human Centered Design Approach to Improve Public Service Delivery
Authors: KROPP ALYSSA , MANN EMILY , MYERS HEATHER , ZAHORIAN IZZIE
Published: February 2025

This case study demonstrates how a transdisciplinary, human‐centered approach to research and process improvement can increase efficiency, enrollment, and customer experience across a complex ecosystem of organizations, people, processes, and technologies. In the wake of an executive order to improve customer experience and service delivery, a team at the United States Digital Service (USDS) worked with Centers for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program Services and state program teams to improve Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. USDS used a mixed‐methods research approach that centered lived experience, and mobilized small strike teams to systematically review software and processes. The ROI was substantial: USDS estimates that this work facilitated over 5 million automatic renewals and saved state employees and the public approximately 2 million hours of burden by the end of 2024.
Glitch in the Matrix: What Broken Screens Reveal About Digital Matter
Authors: BONNIER PIERRE
Published: February 2025

PechaKucha Presentation Abstract

As digital screens increasingly populate our cities, we are more and more often confronted with their malfunctions. Through a poetic exploration of the visual effects produced by these broken screens, I offer an opportunity to reflect on the place of materiality and maintenance in the user experience.
Kites Rise Against the Wind: 20 Years of Research
Authors: MCDOUGALD LEAH , SHAW MACKENZIE
Published: February 2025

PechaKucha Presentation Abstract

Across two decades, our journey as research practitioners has been undeniably dynamic, defined by moments of recognition and rejection. As we reflect on the evolution of our industry amidst shifting social landscapes, corporate upheavals, and evolving economic demands, it's crucial to reexamine our collective role. Finding harmony within our journey, this narrative portrays how, like the flight of a kite, we remain steadfast against the gusts of change, anchored by our unyielding commitment to enhancing lived experiences through design and innovation.
Non‐Lethally Produced Chemical Risk Cues Elicit Antipredator Responses in a Common Canadian Minnow
Authors: Groves Veronica , Brabant Christophe , Boys Madeline , Chapman Lauren J.
Published: February 2025

Predation risk exerts significant pressure on the survival of prey species and has many indirect impacts on their habitat use, energy allocation, and community dynamics. Prey must consistently assess their surroundings by using multiple information sources to monitor predation risk and respond accordingly. In aquatic environments, chemical signals (i.e., alarm cues, disturbance cues, and predator odors) play a crucial role in informing prey of predation risk. Here, we systematically assess the impact of two non‐lethal cues, disturbance cue and predator odor, on four aspects of prey fish behavior using the common blackchin shiner (Miniellus heterodon), a possible surrogate species for the Threatened pugnose shiner (Miniellus anogenus). In experiment 1, we found that conspecific disturbance cue elicited an increase in activity relative to the controls. However, there were no changes in area use, shoaling, or shelter use. In experiment 2, we found that predator odor elicited increased shelter use in blackchin shiner, consistent with an antipredator strategy, but no changes in activity, area use, or shoaling. Our two experiments suggest that disturbance cues and predator odors elicit different behavioral responses in blackchin shiner, perhaps since sources of risk information vary in their urgency and reliability. These results aimed to provide the baseline for future work on pugnose shiner, and demonstrate the value of using non‐lethal chemical cues, with standardized methods, to study antipredator behavior in threatened species.
Registered direct offerings and confidentially marketed public offerings
Authors: Huang Rongbing , Qian Hong
Published: February 2025

Both registered direct offerings (RDOs) and confidentially marketed public offerings (CMPOs) sell registered shares and permit confidential marketing before the offering. CMPOs have gained popularity relative to RDOs from 2008 to 2021. We identify two key factors influencing the choice between RDOs and CMPOs. First, issuers with low risk and low information asymmetry prefer CMPOs. Second, CMPOs tend to involve more investment banks and reach more institutional investors than RDOs. There is also some evidence that a regulation requiring shareholder approval for a large private offering might discourage the use of RDOs. On average, both types of equity offerings are followed by low long‐run abnormal returns, but participating investors can potentially earn positive abnormal returns by selling their offered shares early. CMPOs are not followed by lower average returns than RDOs, suggesting that the popularity of CMPOs is not because they allow issuers to more successfully time the market than RDOs. Finally, we provide some evidence that post‐offer stock performance is related to investor type.
Assessment of the Anchovy Stock Using a Beverton–Holt‐Driven Production Model in China Waters of the Bohai and Yellow Seas
Authors: Chen Xu , Barua Suman , Baloch Aidah , Liu Qun
Published: February 2025

The classical surplus production model is less explanatory when biomass is low and the catch is high, and also does not explicitly include a stock recruitment process. Nevertheless, a classical Schaefer surplus production function (SF) has been predominantly used for current anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) stock assessments in the Bohai and Yellow Seas in China. The Beverton–Holt‐driven production function (BHDPF) model may mitigate drawbacks of the classical SF model. To assess status of the anchovy stock in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, the SF, BHDPF, and Stock Synthesis 3 (SS3) (an integrated analysis model) were used. The SF suggested a recovered stock, with stable catch, whereas the BHDPF and SS3 models suggested that the stock biomass was the lowest during the study period, thereby necessitating a reduction in catch. BHDPF and SS3 were consistent with one another the SF. Under the BHDPF assumption, increasing and decreasing biomass trends may result in countertrend catches, and high catches at low biomass. The BHDPF may serve as an assessment alternative for fisheries lacking age‐structure data. Abundance index data plays a significant role in the current assessment of the Bohai and Yellow Seas anchovy stock, and more research is needed to improve its accuracy.
Sustainable Irrigation: A Shift From Conventional to Solar Tube‐Wells
Authors: Khan Asim , Ahmed Israr , Khair Syed Mohammad
Published: February 2025

This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of solar tube well technology for groundwater extraction in the agriculture sector, focusing on the Balochistan region of Pakistan. Water scarcity is a major challenge in this region due to declining groundwater level and unreliable power supplies. The study uses a binary logit regression model to analyze the factors that determine the adoption of solar tube wells by farmers. The study took into account variables such as age, education level of household head and access to credit, farmers' perception of groundwater depletion, number of hours of tube well operation, and cost of adopting solar technology. The results indicate that education level and experience positively influence farmers' ability to use solar tube wells. Education provides farmers with the knowledge to understand modern farming methods and the benefits of solar technology. In addition, the cost‐effectiveness and increased operating hours of solar tube wells contribute significantly to their adoption. Farmers' concerns about greater groundwater depletion also influenced their decisions, with those seeing groundwater decline more likely to adopt solar technology. The results also suggest that policies that promote access to credit and reduce the initial cost of solar tube well adoption can further encourage farmer's adoption decision.
Recent Long‐Distance‐Dispersal Explains the Range Disjunction of the Old‐Word Cockleburs (Xanthium strumarium)
Authors: Manzo Eleonora , Tomasello Salvatore
Published: February 2025

Aim

In the present study, we focused in addressing questions concerning the biogeographic history of Xanthium strumarium, an Old World native species whose close relatives are generally all native to the American continent.

Location

The species distribution covers the Eurasian continent and some African regions and close islands.

Methods

We employed herbarium material and target enrichment (herbariomics) sequence data of over 700 single copy loci to estimate the divergence times of the species. Ancestral range reconstruction was employed to test different hypotheses on the events that determined the arrival, differentiation and dispersal of the ancestor of X. strumarium in the Old World.

Results

The crown age of X. strumarium was estimated to be ~156.58 ka. In the phylogenomic analysis, the individuals from the different geographic areas grouped mostly congruently based on their collection origin, the earliest diverging clade comprising samples from India, and then progressively clades including samples from Asia, Europe and Africa. The same pattern was observed in the biogeographic analysis, with a movement of the ancestral ranges going from east to west. The ancestral range of the species was inferred to be the Indian subcontinent.

Main Conclusions

Both the use of herbarium specimens as old as 240 years and the use of modern sequencing techniques clarified the phylogenetic relationships, divergence time and biogeography of Xanthium strumarium. Most probably, the ancestor of the species reached the Old World by way of a trans‐Pacific long‐distance dispersal from the Americas to Southeastern Asia, followed by westward colonisation of the Old World.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Optimize Follow‐Up in the New England Area for Pediatric Patients With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Schefter Zoe , Knapp William P. , Helou Elsie , Jay Kathleen , Epstein Michael R. , O'Leary Edward , Tam Felicia , Upadhyay Shailendra , Boss Bridget , Giddins Niels , Dionne Audrey , Burke Kerry , Rotondo Kathleen M. , DeWitt Elizabeth S. , Kane David , Tsirka Anna , Mah Douglas Y.
Published: February 2025

Background

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) continues to grow. Despite the presence of implanted hardware, patient compliance with in‐clinic visits and remote transmissions is poor. We performed a quality improvement (QI) initiative to assess and optimize CIED follow‐up in the New England area.

Methods

A regional network of eight pediatric institutions was created. All patients with CIEDs were identified starting in 2016. Noncompliance was defined as: no in‐person evaluation within 1 year, or no remote transmission within 6 months. Interventions performed included automated texts/emails, certified letters, and personal phone calls.

Results

A total of 612 patients were identified, with the total number of patients increasing over the 5‐year QI period as patients had devices implanted and removed. Initial noncompliance with in‐person annual follow‐up was 29%. If patients were noncompliant, a personal phone call was made, reminding them to return to clinic. If the patient could not be reached for 3 months, a certified letter was sent. The noncompliance rate decreased to 5% over the first year and remained around this level over the QI period (3%–9%). For remote transmissions, 54% of patients were noncompliant. Interventions were performed on subgroups of patients. Automated texts/emails were trialed in 126; after 6 months, 41% of these patients remained noncompliant. Phone calls were then trialed on 87 patients. Over 6 months, noncompliance decreased to 11%.

Conclusions

Patients with CIEDs have poor compliance with regular follow‐up. Patients have a limited response to automated measures (texts/emails). Personal phone calls had the greatest impact in improving compliance.
Editorial: Parenting as an influence on the course of neurodevelopmental conditions – still a taboo topic?
Authors: Moll Kristina , Krishnan Saloni
Published: February 2025

Since the debate surrounding controversial theories, such as the refrigerator mother theory, the influence of parenting on the course of neurodevelopmental conditions has been a taboo topic for many years. However, recent research analyzing the complex interplay between genetics and the environment has introduced new approaches to examining the role of parenting. Several articles in this issue examine the new directions in the field of parenting and parent–child interactions. A key shift in perspective is the recognition that the relationship between parenting and child development is not unidirectional. Instead, the child's characteristics may also influence parental responses (evocative gene–environment), which in turn can shape the child's developmental trajectory. Moreover, parent–child interactions are not restricted to mother–child dyads, but also involve fathers and triadic interactions between both parents and the child. Experiences within these interactions are likely to transfer to other contexts, contributing to the child's language and social development. A better understanding of the time course and the mechanisms underlying parent–child interactions will enhance the design of interventions targeting parenting behavior. Although caregiver‐mediated interventions have proven effective, they must take caregivers' skills into account and may need to incorporate alternative support systems beyond primary caregivers.
Agroecological Pest Control Through Mulch in Potatoes—Delayed Population Development of Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Weiler Christiane , Leisch Simeon , Junge Stephan Martin , Finckh Maria Renate
Published: February 2025

Leptinotarsa decemlineata even in organic potatoes, it is often managed using pesticides. Mulching potatoes represents an alternative to reduce egg masses and larvae of L. decemlineata. In three 4‐fold replicated field trials with unmulched control plots (a) in comparison to plots mulched with grass‐clover (b) or triticale‐vetch (c) the effects on L. decemlineata population dynamics were assessed. In 2020 and 2021, larvae and their respective developmental stage of L. decemlineata were recorded twice weekly on 30 marked potato plants per plot. In 2022 assessments took place 3 times during the season on 16 plants per plot. To examine the influence of changed microclimatic conditions due to mulching, temperature loggers were installed 15°cm above the canopy and belowground. The number of larvae of L. decemlineata was significantly reduced by 65%, on average, in the mulched treatments and higher larval stages occurred later and in lower numbers compared to the unmulched plots. In 2022, a second‐generation adults of L. decemlineata occurred whose numbers were significantly reduced by about 90% in the mulched plots. During warm and hot weather, the canopy temperatures in the mulched plots considerably exceeded those of the unmulched plots, often reaching peak temperatures well above the optimum for L. decemlineata development. Mulching leads either to delayed or reduced immigration of adult beetles as well as potentially to slower egg and larval development.
Vaccine Hesitancy Among Family Doctors and Family Health Workers: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Yucel Mehtap , Aydin Keser Merve
Published: February 2025

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among family doctors and family health workers regarding vaccines included in the childhood vaccination calendar and to identify factors that may be associated with vaccine hesitancy among participants.

Methods

A total of 131 people, 76 family doctors and 55 family health workers in Bilecik province and its districts, representing 89.7% of the population, were included in the cross‐sectional study. The study data collection period was 01−31 March 2024. Data were collected online. All participants were asked to complete a socio‐demographic data form, their intention to vaccinate their children for each of the 14 vaccines included in the vaccination calendar in Turkey, and a data collection form asking about variables that may be associated with vaccine hesitancy. Participants were categorised according to their intention to vaccinate their children and grouped into vaccine hesitancy and vaccine acceptance, and statistical analyses were performed between the groups.

Results

It was found that 19.1% of participants had at least one vaccine hesitancy. The age and years of experience of family doctors and family health workers with vaccine hesitancy were higher than those with vaccine acceptance. In addition, the rate of vaccine ambivalence was significantly higher among these participants who had children (p < 0.05).

The belief that children should only be vaccinated against serious diseases is significantly higher among vaccine ambivalent than vaccine accepting respondents (p < 0.05). The belief that vaccines are not one of the safest ways to protect against infectious agents, the belief that vaccines have not become better and more effective through scientific research, and the belief that vaccines do not strengthen the immune system were significantly higher among vaccine ambivalents than among vaccine acceptors (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that vaccine hesitancy is common among healthcare workers, that vaccine hesitancy is associated with factors such as age, working years, and having children, and that individuals with vaccine hesitancy hold various misconceptions about vaccines.
Effect of a Volunteer‐Staffed Outreach Call Initiative on Video Usage and Attendance for Telehealth Visits in an Urban Primary Care Safety‐Net Setting
Authors: Chen Kevin , Bailey Khera , Nemytov Simon , Morrison Mackenzie , Zhang Christine , Katranji Kenan , Jackson Hannah B.
Published: February 2025

Rationale

Telehealth navigation programmes have shown potential to improve video visit usage and attendance. However, their effectiveness in safety‐net healthcare settings remains uncertain.

Aims and Objectives

This project assessed the impact of a volunteer‐staffed telehealth navigation programme on video visit usage and attendance at an urban safety‐net primary care clinic.

Methods

Volunteers conducted outreach calls to patients with upcoming telehealth appointments to help them prepare for their visits. Outcomes, including video usage (video vs. audio‐only visits) and no‐show rates, were compared between patients who received outreach and those who did not.

Results

Analysis revealed no significant differences in video usage (14.1% for outreach vs. 14.0% for non‐outreach) or no‐show rates (22.5% for outreach vs. 22.0% for non‐outreach). The study included 881 patients who received outreach and 2728 patients who did not.

Conclusion

Patients unresponsive to outreach had lower portal activation rates and higher non‐attendance, suggesting the presence of distinct engagement subgroups within the population. While volunteer‐staffed programmes may provide a practical method to reach patients, telephone outreach alone was insufficient to improve video visit usage or attendance rates. Further research is needed to explore alternative or complementary strategies to enhance telehealth engagement in safety‐net settings.
The Frequency of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation Risk Factors
Authors: Heidari Fateme , Ebrahim Zadeh Mohammad , Haji Abole Zadeh Maryam , Namiranian Nasim
Published: February 2025

Background

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common complaint worldwide. Although this cosmetic condition is not a medical concern, it can impact emotional well‐being. Few investigations have evaluated the association of various factors with POH, which is contradictory in some ways.

Aim

The present study is conducted to elucidate the accurate impact of risk factors on the severity of POH.

Patients/Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 116 patients attending a skin Outpatient Department in Iran from March to August 2022. A complete physical examination divided patients into mild, moderate, severe, and very severe classes. Valid questionnaires were filled out by participants about their demographic data, underlying diseases, and their habits. The chi‐square and linear regression tests were done. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

Result

Among demographic factors, positive family history had a significant association with POH. There was a significant association between POH and stress, prolonged exposure to sun or television, and taking hormonal pills. Surprisingly, sleep quality was not significantly related to POH. In addition, there was a relationship between POH and some underlying diseases.

Dissuasion

The present study agreed with others about the significant impact of factors like family history, prolonged sun exposure, stress, and anemia. The current investigation elucidated doubts about the insignificant effect of sleep quality on the severity of POH. In contrast to previous studies, a remarkable relationship between POH and atopy was not revealed.

Conclusion

POH is an undesirable condition. Two key factors associated with this cosmetic problem are rubbing eyes and prolonged exposure to television.
Diet and Living Environment as Novel Etiological Factors for Melasma: The Results Form a Retrospective Case–Control Study of 150 Chinese Patients
Authors: Shi Yue , Guo Shun , Tan Cheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Melasma, a condition with complex and multifactorial pathogenesis, has traditionally been linked to factors such as ultraviolet (UV) exposure, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Despite societal advances and shifts in lifestyle, updates on causal factors remain limited. Our study aims to address this gap by investigating emerging pathogenic factors that differ from those conventionally reported.

Objective

We conducted a case–control study to explore novel etiological factors contributing to the onset of melasma in Chinese patients, with an emphasis on how these differ from previously established causes.

Methods

The study included 150 patients (144 women and 6 men) diagnosed with melasma at Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from April to October 2023. A control cohort of individuals without melasma was enrolled from the community. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, along with exogenous factors and histories of related dermatoses and non‐dermatoses, through a questionnaire administered with the guidance of a dermatologist. Etiological factors were assessed using univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, our results were consistent with previous studies. In addition, alcohol intake (OR: 20.05, 95% CI: 1.17–343.17) and breast cystic hyperplasia (OR: 15.98, 95% CI: 4.28–59.72) were found to be novel triggering factors of melasma, whereas change of residence (OR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00–0.30), house renovation (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.58) and soft drink intake (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00–0.83) were protective.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that diet and the living environment are novel etiological factors for melasma.
Determination of menstrual symptoms and genital hygiene behaviors of female healthcare professionals after the earthquake in Türkiye
Authors: Gürel Reyyan , Atilla Rabia , Savaş Vildan
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the post‐earthquake menstrual symptoms, genital hygiene behaviors and the relationship between them among female healthcare workers who experienced the devastating earthquake in February 2023.

Methods

The sample of this descriptive and cross‐sectional study consists of female healthcare professionals working in a public hospital in Iskenderun. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews between June 7 and September 7, 2023. Sociodemographic Form, Menstrual Symptom Scale, and Genital Hygiene Scale were used as data collection tools.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 34.07 ± 8.08. Before the earthquake, 81.5% had regular menses, while in 58.6% of them the pattern of menses changed after the earthquake. It was found that there was a negative and weakly significant relationship between the total mean scores of “Menstrual Symptom Scale” and “Genital Hygiene Scale” (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between “age,” “perceived income level,” “marital status,” and “experiencing women's health problems after the earthquake” with menstrual symptoms. Additionally, significant differences were observed between “changes in menstrual regulation after the earthquake,” “the major earthquake's impact on the availability of hygienic products,” and genital hygiene behaviors (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It was determined that the menstrual symptoms experienced by health workers after the earthquake were above moderate severity and their genital hygiene behaviors were less positive. Furthermore, genital hygiene behaviors were more negatively affected as the severity of menstrual symptoms increased.
Two‐Year Follow‐Up of a Communication Intervention on Medication Adherence and Health Literacy in Kidney Transplanted Recipients—A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Vidnes Tone K. , Wahl Astrid K. , Larsen Marie H. , Meyer Käthe B. , Hermansen Åsmund , Andersen Marit H.
Published: February 2025

Background

Patients with chronic conditions, including kidney transplanted recipients, are required to actively participate in their continuous care and maintain motivation to adhere consistently to treatment.

Objectives

Our study aimed to test long‐term effectiveness of a new health communication intervention designed to improve on medication adherence and health literacy in kidney transplant recipients 2 years following transplantation.

Design

A randomised controlled non‐blinded study was conducted between March 2020 and August 2023.

Participants

One hundred and ninety‐five kidney transplant recipients were included.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were self‐reported medication adherence, measured by the BAASIS questionnaire, and health literacy, measured by the Health Literacy Questionnaire. The response rate was 87% (170 of 195 patients).

Results

This study showed a significant difference between groups in favour of the intervention group for medication adherence (p < 0.02) and two essential Health Literacy Questionnaire domains—‘navigating the health care system’ (p < 0.02) and ‘having social support for health’ (p > 0.03)—2 years after transplantation. Regarding health literacy, three Health Literacy Questionnaire domains showed a significant correlation with adherence: ‘having sufficient information to manage health’ (p < 0.04), ‘having social support for health’ (p < 0.04), and ‘ability to understand health information well enough to know what to do’ (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings in the study highlight the pivotal role of health communication in enhancing medication adherence and supporting important health literacy aspects for kidney transplant recipients.
Red Flags in the Evaluation of the Tiptoeing Child
Authors: Baldo Francesco , Traunero Arianna , Ballaben Andrea , Zago Alessandro , Barbi Egidio
Published: February 2025

Background

Tiptoeing is a common phenomenon in gate development. However, in some cases, it can be the first clinical sign of a medical condition, more often a neurological or muscle disorder.

Aim

To provide a practical guide for paediatricians on how to approach tiptoeing and its possible causes.

Methods

Input from the literature were used to construct this guide. We evaluated articles both on the general topic and the various conditions associated with tiptoeing.

Results

Red flags in tiptoeing are its persistence for more than 6 months after the establishment of independent walking, its persistence after 2 years of age and its appearance afterwards. Historical and physical examination clues, together with few blood tests and radiological investigations, are key elements to direct the clinician's diagnosis in the right direction, especially nowadays, considering that many of these conditions have a specific treatment.

Conclusion

In presence of red flags, tiptoeing should never be underestimated and must be considered a sign of a pathological condition until proven otherwise.
Reconstructing evolutionary history of Chinese walnuts (Juglans)
Authors: Dang Meng , Zhou Hui‐Juan , Ye Hang , Zhu Shao‐Hong , Wang Rui , Zhao Gui‐Fang , Woeste Keith , Yue Ming , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Peng
Published: February 2025

Members of the genus Juglans (walnuts, family Juglandaceae) are typical Tertiary relict tree species. They are widely distributed in China and are well known for their edible nuts and high‐quality wood. The genetic structure and historical gene flow patterns of Chinese Juglans still need to be resolved. Here, we collected samples from a total of 2242 trees from 142 populations of three walnut species (Juglans regia L., Juglans sigillata Dode, and Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) and a hybrid taxon Juglans × hopeiensis. These samples were distributed throughout China. We analyzed population genetic structure, interspecific relationships, lineage differentiation, and speciation using 21 EST‐SSR genetic markers. All populations of J. regia and J. sigillata clustered into one lineage, corresponding to the Juglans sect. Dioscaryon, and all J. mandshurica and Juglans × hopeiensis populations (section Cardiocaryon) clustered into a second lineage. For J. mandshurica, there was an obvious north–south genetic cline. Interestingly, except for seven populations of the hybrid Juglans × hopeiensis, there was almost no gene flow between the populations of section Juglans/Dioscaryon and section Cardiocaryon. A DIYABC analysis showed that J. regia and J. mandshurica differentiated during the Oligocene. Juglans sigillata originated during the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. Subsequently, during the Middle Pleistocene, J. regia and J. mandshurica hybridized within a narrow zone to produce Juglans × hopeiensis. These results demonstrate the impact of repeated turbulent climate changes in the Quaternary on the evolutionary history of Tertiary relict plants.
Use of Text Messaging to Educate Family Caregivers of Children With Asthma
Authors: Wang Chen , Foronda Cynthia , Gattamorta Karina A. , Sotolongo Cardenas Monica R.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Knowledge deficiencies among family caregivers of children with asthma impede optimal disease management. Current research has shown that texting caregivers is an effective method for delivering family‐centered health education. The aim of this quality improvement project was to implement a short message service (SMS)‐based intervention to educate family caregivers of children with asthma and evaluate its effect on caregiver knowledge and confidence in asthma management.

Design and Methods

This project employed a pre‐posttest design with questionnaires completed at the beginning and conclusion of the intervention. Nineteen caregivers received daily educational messages over a 3‐week period.

Results

The intervention resulted in a significant increase in the caregiver asthma knowledge (p = 0.037), but not their confidence (p = 0.604). Caregivers indicated high satisfaction with the length and content of the messages.

Conclusions

This project suggests that the SMS‐based education intervention holds potential to assist family caregivers in better managing their child's asthma.

Practice Implications

This quality improvement project seeks to fill the existing gap of inadequate family caregiver education, strengthen caregiver confidence in asthma management, and ultimately, enhance the care experience of asthmatic children. As chronically ill children have the best care experience when their parents are well‐informed about the disease and able to formulate solutions to manage emerging symptoms, family caregivers benefit as well. The educational messages enrich their asthma knowledge, enabling them to administer medicine promptly and appropriately when their child exhibits symptoms. Early medical attention minimizes the incidence of asthma attacks as well as the demand for emergency room visits, easing the burden on the healthcare providers. Therefore, using text messaging to educate family caregivers of children with asthma may positively affect child, parent, and provider outcomes.
Local GMM Estimation for Nonparametric Time‐Varying Coefficient Moment Condition Models
Authors: Bai Yu
Published: February 2025

We develop a local continuously updated GMM estimator for nonparametric time‐varying coefficient moment condition models. The uniform consistency rate and the pointwise asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator are derived. Implementation issues regarding bandwidth selection, construction of pointwise confidence intervals, and testing for overidentifying restrictions are discussed. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimator and test statistic are investigated through a Monte Carlo study and an empirical application on asset pricing models with stochastic discount factor (SDF) representation.
The Idiot's Guide to Effective Population Size
Authors: Waples Robin S.
Published: February 2025

This is a reference manual for the elegant, yet hideously complex concept of effective population size (Ne), inspired by a classic, self‐published manual of automotive repair ‘for the compleat idiot’. The Guide is timely, given the recent Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where 196 Parties committed to tracking genetic diversity—and estimating Ne—for all species. Ne is a human construct, but a useful one that allows us to capture diverse aspects of an organism's biology in a single number. The Guide collates in one location factual information about effective population size, with a focus on topics of practical relevance to scientists and managers studying real populations; it covers definition, computation and estimation of effective size, both demographically and genetically. As appropriate, the reader is directed to other primary sources for more details. A ‘Don't Do These Things’ section lists several ill‐advised approaches to dealing with Ne, and an Appendix provides useful tools and practical suggestions for interested users. A special section considers both possibilities and challenges presented by the genomics revolution. Availability of vast numbers of genetic markers increases precision, but less than some might think, and simultaneously introduces new challenges involving filtering and bioinformatics processing. As annotated genomes become more common for non‐model species, opportunities are opened to address qualitatively different questions, including reconstructing historical changes in Ne through time.