bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure and the hypertension care cascade in The Gambia: Findings from a nationwide survey
Authors: Jobe Modou , Mactaggart Islay , Hydara Abba , Kim Min J. , Bell Suzannah , Kotanmi Gaetan Brezesky , Badjie Omar , Prentice Andrew M. , Burton Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

Community treatment of hypertension in sub‐Saharan Africa is hampered by gaps at several stages of the care cascade. We compared blood pressure (BP) levels (systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures) in four groups of participants by hypertension and treatment status. We conducted a nationally representative survey of adults 35 years and older using a multistage sampling strategy based on the 2013 Gambia Population and Housing Census. The BP measurements were taken in triplicate 5 min apart, and the average of the last two measurements was used for analysis. Systolic and diastolic BP levels and pulse pressure were compared by hypertension status using mean and 95% confidence intervals (CI). 53.1% of the sample were normotensive with mean systolic BP (SBP) of 119.2 mmHg (95% CI, 118.7–119.6) and diastolic BP (DBP) of 78.1 mmHg (77.8–78.3). Among individuals with hypertension, mean SBP was 148.7 mmHg (147.7–149.7) among those unaware of their hypertension, 152.2 mmHg (151.0–153.5) among treated individuals and was highest in untreated individuals at 159.3 mmHg (157.3–161.2). The findings were similar for DBP levels, being 93.9 mmHg (93.4–94.4) among the unaware, 95.1 mmHg (94.4–95.8) among the treated and highest at 99.1 mmHg (98.1–100.2) in untreated participants. SBP and DBP were higher in men, and SBP was as expected higher in those aged ≥55 years. BP level was similar in urban and rural areas. Our data shows high BP levels among participants with hypertension including those receiving treatment. Efforts to reduce the health burden of hypertension will require inputs at all levels of the care cascade.
A comparative study on dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, their neurotypical siblings, and non‐related neurotypical volunteers: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kurokawa Shunya , Nomura Kensuke , Sanada Kenji , Miyaho Katsuma , Ishii Chiharu , Fukuda Shinji , Iwamoto Chiaki , Naraoka Minori , Yoneda Shintaro , Imafuku Masahiro , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Saito Yoshimasa , Mimura Masaru , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous research has shown a significant link between gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, much remains unknown because of the heterogeneity of disorders and the potential confounders such as dietary patterns and control group variations.

Methods

Children aged 6–12 years who had been clinically diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD, their unaffected neurotypical siblings, and non‐related neurotypical volunteers were recruited cross‐sectionally. The ASD diagnosis was confirmed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐2 (ADOS‐2) in all patients, including those with ADHD. Standardized DNA extraction and sequencing methods were used to compare gut microbial alpha‐diversity among the groups. Dietary diversity was calculated from a standardized dietary questionnaire form. We compared the difference in gut microbiome between patients with ASD and/or ADHD with neurotypical siblings and non‐related neurotypical controls.

Results

Ninety‐eight subjects were included in the study (18 with ASD, 19 with ADHD, 20 with both ASD and ADHD, 13 neurotypical siblings, and 28 non‐related neurotypical controls). The alpha‐diversity indices, such as Chao 1 and Shannon index, showed a significant difference between the groups in a Linear mixed‐effect model (F(4, 93) = 4.539, p = .02), (F(4, 93) = 3.185, p = .017), respectively. In a post‐hoc pairwise comparison, patients with ASD had lower alpha‐diversity compared with non‐related controls after Bonferroni correction. Dietary diversity shown in Shannon index did not differ among the groups (F(4, 84) = 1.494, p = .211).

Conclusions

Our study indicates disorder‐specific microbiome differences in patients with ASD. In future research on gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental disorders, it is necessary to consider the impact of ASD and ADHD co‐occurrence, and strictly control for background information such as diet, to elucidate the gut–microbiota interaction in ASD and ADHD for exploring the potential of therapeutic interventions.
Influence of disease course and comprehensive management on blood glucose level in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Xiaozhi , Wang Rui , Chen Jiahui , Feng Guoshuang , Wang Xinyu , Bai Robin N , Liang Xuejun , Cao Bingyan , Gong Chunxiu , Li Wenjing , Sang Yanmei , Wang Xumei , Wu Di
Published: April 2024

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of glycemic control, and assess the effects of the disease course and comprehensive management measures on the blood glucose level in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

The study collected the clinical data of type 2 diabetes patients in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2015 to September 2020. Patients were grouped based on the disease course to compare their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, islet β‐cell function, insulin resistance and comprehensive management measures.

Results

Of the 170 participants, the median disease course was 2.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–4.0 years). The baseline HbA1c was 11.2% (IQR 9.2–12.4%). According to the grouping by the disease course, the median HbA1c was the lowest (5.7% [IQR 5.3–6.1%]) in the half‐year course group and the highest in the 4‐year course group (9.0 [IQR 6.8%–11.3%]). Compared with the group with a disease duration <2 years, patients in the >4 years group had a lower proportion of patients with HbA1c <7% (29.2% vs 66.2%), a lower homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, and a lower proportion with a controlled diet, moderate‐intensity exercise, regular follow up and no drug treatment. We deemed HbA1c as the dependent variable, and found that disease duration, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function at follow up, continuous moderate‐intensity exercise, regular review and treatment regimen were significant influencing factors for glycemic control.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes and a prolonged disease course showed poor glycemic control and decreased islet β‐cell function. A good lifestyle, especially moderate‐intensity exercise, can help such cases better control their blood glucose level.
Eating behaviors and incidence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese people: The population‐based Panasonic cohort study 15
Authors: Toyokuni Ema , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Nishioka Norihiro , Tateyama Yukiko , Shimamoto Tomonari , Kurogi Kazushiro , Murata Hiroaki , Ito Masato , Iwami Taku , Fukui Michiaki
Published: April 2024

Aim/Introduction

This historical cohort study sought to research the relationship between eating behaviors and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a large, long‐term cohort of Japanese subjects.

Materials and Methods

Panasonic Corporation employees who had no history of diabetes and attended yearly health surveys between 2008 and 2018 were included in this study. The main outcome measure was diabetes onset.

Results

This study included 128,594 participants and 6,729 participants who developed type 2 diabetes in the study period. Skipping breakfast, fast eating, snacking after dinner, and eating meals before sleeping were linked with the risk of the incidence of type 2 diabetes. In individuals with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, fast eating (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37–1.90), and eating meals before sleeping (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17) were likewise associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, fast eating (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.89–1.30) and meals before sleeping (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88–1.01) were not related to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P value for interaction = 0.0007 [fast eating] and 0.007 [meals before sleeping], respectively). No significant interaction effect between sex and eating behavior was found.

Conclusions

With respect to Japanese people, especially in people with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, eating behaviors may be a risk factor for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
Validation of a scoring algorithm for the clinician‐reported outcome tool ‘prurigo activity and severity (PAS)’ based on clinical studies of dupilumab in adults with prurigo Nodularis
Authors: Zeidler Claudia , Stander Sonja , Rhoten Stephanie , Wratten Samantha , Zhang Dian , Msihid Jerome , Brookes Ella , Thomas Ryan , Bahloul Donia
Published: April 2024

Background

Prurigo nodularis (PN) also known as chronic prurigo, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intensely itchy nodules/lesions which occur due to intensive scratching. PN management is, in part, based on clinician evaluations of PN lesions, which can be supported by clinician‐reported outcomes (ClinRO) such as the Prurigo Activity and Severity (PAS) instrument. A 5‐item version of PAS was included in recent phase‐3 dupilumab PN trials (PRIME [NCT04183335]/PRIME2 [NCT04202679]). The PAS score was derived using the unweighted sum of 3‐items of the 5‐item PAS (range, 0–11; higher score indicates worse activity and severity): Item 2 (number of lesions), Item 5a (percentage of lesions with excoriations/crusts) and Item 5b (percentage of healed lesions) for use in clinical practice and for communication of treatment benefit to physicians.

Objectives

To evaluate the measurement properties of PAS score and derive within‐patient (responder definition) and between‐group improvement thresholds for interpreting changes in PAS score in patients with PN.

Methods

The data source was the pooled treatment group, intention‐to‐treat (ITT) data from the phase‐3 PRIME (NCT04183335) and PRIME2 (NCT04202679) studies evaluating the efficacy of dupilumab in adult patients with PN with ≥20 nodules and severe itch uncontrolled with topical therapies. PAS score reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were evaluated, and anchor‐ and distribution‐based methods were applied to derive meaningful change thresholds.

Results

The pooled ITT population included 311 patients (mean age 49.5 years, 65.3% female). Adequate to good psychometric properties were demonstrated for PAS score. The within‐patient meaningful improvement threshold was estimated as 3.0 points (absolute change) and 37% (per cent change). A 1.7‐point (absolute change) and 20% (per cent change) improvement were estimated to reflect a between‐group meaningful change in PAS score.

Conclusions

PAS score is a simple, clinically relevant indicator of PN lesion activity and severity supported by suitable psychometric performance.
Herd immunity to endemic diseases: Historical concepts and implications for public health policy
Authors: Robertson David , Heriot George , Jamrozik Euzebiusz
Published: April 2024

Background

“Herd immunity” became a contested term during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although the term “herd immunity” is often used to refer to thresholds at which some diseases can be eliminated (e.g., due to mass vaccination), the term has multiple referents. Different concepts of herd immunity have been relevant throughout the history of immunology and infectious disease epidemiology. For some diseases, herd immunity plays a role in the development of an endemic equilibrium, rather than elimination via threshold effects.

Methods

We reviewed academic literature from 1920 to 2022, using historical and philosophical analysis to identify and develop relevant concepts of herd immunity.

Results

This paper analyses the ambiguity surrounding the concept of herd immunity during the pandemic. We argue for the need to recapture a long‐standing interpretation of this concept as one of the factors that leads to a dynamic endemic equilibrium between a host population and a mutating respiratory pathogen.

Conclusions

Informed by the history of infectious disease epidemiology, we argue that understanding the concept in this way will help us manage both SARS‐CoV‐2 and hundreds of other seasonal respiratory pathogens with which we live but which have been disrupted due to sustained public health measures/non‐pharmaceutical interventions targeting SARS‐CoV‐2.
Clinical and laboratorial performance of rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth: A systematic review
Authors: Matos Luanne Mara Rodrigues de , Silva Marcelo Lopes , Cordeiro Thais Oliveira , Cardoso Sarah de Araujo Mendes , Campos Débora e Silva , de Muniz Isis Araújo Ferreira , Barros Suelen Aline de Lima , Seraidarian Paulo Isaias
Published: April 2024

Objective

This systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical (survival rate, failure risk, or fracture) and laboratory performance (fracture mode or failure) of rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth, with and without posts.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2023, according to PRISMA guidelines. In vitro and clinical studies that compared the clinical and laboratory performance of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts were included. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed.

Results

Thirty‐one in vitro and 7 clinical studies were included. For in vitro studies, fiberglass post (n = 24) was the most mentioned. The follow‐up time of the clinical studies ranged from 1 to 17 years, with the fiber‐reinforced composite post (n = 3) being the most evaluated, and only failure risk proved to be more favorable for using intraradicular posts.

Conclusion

Rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular retainers showed no difference in fracture resistance and failure mode, evaluated by in vitro studies. Clinical studies showed no difference in survival rate, but failure risk proved to be more favorable for the use of posts.

Clinical Significance

This analysis revealed significant variability between results, however, most laboratory and clinical studies revealed no difference with using the post. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need to evaluate the coronary remnant and the general characteristics of the tooth in each situation.
Far‐infrared drying influence on machine learning algorithms in improving corn drying process with graphene irradiation heating plates
Authors: Jibril Abdulaziz Nuhu , Zhang Xubo , Wang Shuo , Bello Zaharaddeen Aminu , Henry Ibeogu Isaiah , Chen Kunjie
Published: April 2024

Drying methods often suffer from appropriate drying process modeling, low heating efficiency, and high‐energy consumption. However, graphene may provide significant improvements during the drying process due to its ability to save energy and convert electro‐thermal energy effectively. In this study, random forest (RF), surface vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and k‐nearest neighbor (kNN) were the four machine‐learning algorithms employed to analyze the drying process of two types of corn (ZD88 and RP909) at varying temperatures of 35, 45, and 55°C in a graphene far‐infrared drying. The study found that the drying process of corn showed a decrease in moisture ratio during the falling rate period from 35 to 55°C. The moisture diffusivity increased from 35 to 55°C with the rise in the temperature, ranging from 2.74 to 4.36 × 10−8 m2/s for ZD88 and 2.05 to 3.07 × 10−8 m2/s for RP909. The ZD88 showed a heat efficiency of 81.62% at 55°C. The results of the machine learning algorithms revealed that 1–6 ANN was the best architecture. Normalized PUK was the best for SVM filters. A k = 3 and s‐fold = 5 were the best values for k‐NN and RF, respectively. Among the computed algorithms, the tested data for normalized Pearson universal kernel SVM filters proved to be the most effective in computing the process of drying corn. Overall, a graphene far‐infrared dryer showed improved heating efficiency and less energy consumption, providing a new concept for developing a drying process through machine learning algorithms strategies.

Practical applications

Drying methods often suffer from appropriate drying process modeling, low heating efficiency, and high‐energy consumption. This study provides significant improvements due to the ability of graphene irradiation heating plates to save energy and convert electro‐thermal energy effectively. The study achieved a heating efficiency of 81.62% at an infrared temperature of 55°C. Machine learning algorithms are intelligent models that minimize the limitations in describing the drying process of agricultural materials. The study found the normalized Pearson universal kernel was the most effective computation SVM filter. Therefore, using a graphene far‐infrared dryer showed a better drying alternative for industrial applications, as it has the potential to improve heating efficiency and consume less energy, providing a new concept for developing drying equipment through machine learning algorithms modeling strategies.
Aggregate Dynamics with Sectoral Price Stickiness Heterogeneity and Aggregate Real Shocks
Authors: FLAMINI ALESSANDRO , HASAN IFTEKHAR
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between heterogeneity in sectoral price stickiness and the response of the economy to aggregate real shocks. We show that sectoral heterogeneity reduces inflation persistence for a constant average duration of price spells, and that inflation persistence can fall despite duration increases associated with increases in heterogeneity. We also find that sectoral heterogeneity reduces the persistence and volatility of interest rate and output gap for a constant price spells duration, while the qualitative impact on inflation volatility tends to be positive. A relevant policy implication is that neglecting price stickiness heterogeneity can impair the economic dynamics assessment.
Breast cancer mortality in Chinese women and men from 1990 to 2019: Analysis of trends in risk factors
Authors: Xiao Ziwei , Li Lin
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relative risk of risk factor in male and female breast cancer (BC) deaths in China and analyzed the changing trends in BC mortality rates from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Open data from the Global Burden of Disease database from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed to assess the number of BC deaths and age‐standardized mortality rates (ASMR) in China. The age‐period‐cohort model was employed to study age effects, period effects, cohort effects, as well as local drift and net drift of the data, determining the impact of changing risk factors on crude mortality rates and ASMR of BC.

Results

In 2019, the number of BC deaths across all age groups in China increased by 130.38% compared to 1990, with an increase of 125.68% in females and 648.80% in males. The ASMR for BC and male BC increased in 2019, while female BC ASMR declined. Overall, alcohol consumption and smoking as risk factors contributed to increased mortality rates of BC with advancing age. Over the entire study period, the net drift of alcohol consumption in females for BC was 0.06% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.24% to 0.36%), while for smoking it was −0.64% (95% CI: −0.83% to −0.45%). For males, the net drift of alcohol consumption for BC was 6.75% (95% CI: 5.55% to 7.96%), and for smoking, it was 6.09% (95% CI: 2.66% to 9.64%).

Conclusion

Hence, improving awareness of BC‐related risk factors and implementing prevention strategies are necessary to alleviate future BC burdens.
Impact of nutritional support routes on mortality in acute pancreatitis: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hsieh Ping‐Han , Yang Tsung‐Chieh , Kang Enoch Yi‐No , Lee Pei‐Chang , Luo Jiing‐Chyuan , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Hou Ming‐Chih , Huang Shih‐Ping
Published: April 2024

Background

Nutritional administration in acute pancreatitis (AP) management has sparked widespread discussion, yet contradictory mortality results across meta‐analyses necessitate clarification. The optimal nutritional route in AP remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to compare mortality among nutritional administration routes in patients with AP using consistency model.

Methods

This study searched four major databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two authors independently extracted and checked data and quality. Network meta‐analysis was conducted for estimating risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) based on random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses accounted for AP severity and nutrition support initiation.

Results

A meticulous search yielded 1185 references, with 30 records meeting inclusion criteria from 27 RCTs (n = 1594). Pooled analyses showed the mortality risk reduction associated with nasogastric (NG) (RR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.16–0.73) and nasojejunal (NJ) feeding (RR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.25–0.84) in comparison to nil per os. Similarly, NG (RR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.24–0.83) and NJ (RR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.40–0.90) feeding also showed lower mortality risk than total parenteral nutrition. Subgroup analyses, stratified by severity, supported these findings. Notably, the timing of nutritional support initiation emerged as a significant factor, with NJ feeding demonstrating notable mortality reduction within 24 and 48 h, particularly in severe cases.

Conclusion

For severe AP, both NG and NJ feeding appear optimal, with variations in initiation timings. NG feeding does not appear to merit recommendation within the initial 24 h, whereas NJ feeding is advisable within the corresponding timeframe following admission. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing nutritional interventions in AP.
The Dynamic Role of Subnational Regions in Firm Performance
Authors: Shu Haibing , Viard V. Brian
Published: April 2024

This study investigates dynamics of subnational regions in determining firm performance over time and by ownership type. We explain theoretically how subnational regions affect firm performance over time in the context of path dependence and the institution‐based view and test these predictions using annual data of manufacturing firms in China from 2000 to 2014 – before and after a major negative institutional shock (2008 financial crisis). Consistent with path dependence, regional institutional quality diverges across regions before 2008, a pattern that is disrupted post‐2008. Firm performance is increasing in institutional quality so that location effects are increasingly important before the financial crisis but less so post‐crisis. These effects are greater for private‐ than state‐owned enterprises consistent with differences in organizational objectives under the institution‐based view.
Measurement of adolescent psychological wellbeing: A test of factor structure and measurement invariance
Authors: Thakur Hena , Choi Jae Wan , Andrews Arthur R. , Temple Jeff R. , Cohen Joseph R.
Published: April 2024

Gains in holistic approaches to adult mental health have been associated with increasing interest in understanding psychological wellbeing (PWB) among adolescents. Empirical examination of measurement models for PWB in adolescence is lacking. Thus, the current study examined PWB in a longitudinal, diverse sample of 433 adolescents (non‐Latinx Black: 37.6%; non‐Latinx White: 25.9%; Latinx: 36.5%; Male adolescents: 50.1%). A one‐factor, correlated six‐factor and hierarchical models were examined across racial/ethnic (White, Black, and Hispanic) and gender (female, male) identities, after which the best fitting model was selected to undergo invariance testing. A one‐factor structure was superior, and exhibited strict invariance across racial/ethnic and gender identities at each wave of the study, as well as longitudinal invariance within the entire sample.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of sumac and molasses as additives for alfalfa silage: Influence on nutrient composition, in vitro degradability and fermentation quality
Authors: Tatlı Seven Pınar , Yıldırım Esra Nur , Seven İsmail , Kaya Can Ayhan , İflazoğlu Mutlu Seda
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effects of sumac and molasses on nutrient composition, in vitro degradability and fermentation quality of alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was ensiled in quadruplicate in vacuum jars untreated group (A) or after the following treatments: sumac group at 10% (AS), molasses group at 5% (AM), and sumac (10%) and molasses (5%) group (ASM). Silos (n = 64) were stored for 0, 21, 45 or 60 days. The results showed that dry matter (DM) contents of the AS, AM and ASM groups were statistically higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Only on the 21st day of fermentation the crude ash content of the AS group was found to be significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matter degradation values of the AMS group increased significantly (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in alfalfa silage's pH values was determined with sumac and molasses additives (p < 0.001). The ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) values of the control, AS, AM and ASM groups at Day 60 were determined as 9.08%, 7.22%, 7.00% and 6.81% respectively (p < 0.05). The water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) values of all groups on the 60th day were significantly decreased compared to the 0th day (p < 0.001). When the groups were evaluated within themselves, there was a statistically significant difference between the 0th and 60th day lactic acid values. The acetic acid content of the A group on the 60th day was found to be significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in propionic acid levels on Days 21, 45 and 60 compared to Day 0 of fermentation (p < 0.001). The highest butyric acid (BA) level was determined in the A group on the 21st, 45th and 60th days of fermentation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sumac prevents proteolysis depending on its tannin content. It improves silage fermentation positively thanks to its organic acid content, while the molasses additive is effective in silage fermentation, mainly depending on the WSC level. However, it was determined that neither additive could reduce the silage pH to the appropriate value ranges due to the low doses, and they could not mainly prevent the formation of BA.
Money growth pegging, Taylor rule, status‐seeking behavior and the “spirit of capitalism”
Authors: Le Riche Antoine , Parent Antoine
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the impact of “spirit of capitalism” on stationary welfare and stability properties of a one‐sector Ramsey economy, where the demand of money is motivated by a cash‐in‐advance constraint on consumption expenditures. Preferences are defined over consumption and capital stock. There is a monetary authority that follows either a money growth pegging rule or an interest rate pegging rule. When a money growth pegging rule is introduced, a unique steady state emerges. A slight desire for status is a sufficient condition for an increase in the money growth rate to exert a local stabilizing effect and to improve stationary welfare. When an interest rate pegging rule is introduced, two steady states may emerge: a “liquidity trap” and an “interior” steady state. Both steady states are locally determinate. Moreover, we show that a slight desire for status is also a sufficient condition to ensure that the stationary welfare at “interior” steady state is higher than the one of the “liquidity trap”. It follows that an increase in the policy rate is, then, an efficient way to exit the “liquidity trap” steady state. Under similar conditions, a higher policy rate increases the stationary welfare at the “interior” steady state.
Green quality choice in a duopoly
Authors: Gori Luca , Purificato Francesco , Sodini Mauro
Published: April 2024

This article considers a quantity‐setting duopoly (Cournot rivalry) in which firms adopt an abatement technology as a device to improve the quality of products. Consumer preferences capture vertical product differentiation (quality) towards “green” products. This introduces a trade‐off on the production side, as firms that do not abate, in turn, do not sustain any abatement cost but the demand for their product is low. On the contrary, firms that choose to abate incur abatement costs, but the demand for their product is high. The article aims to study and understand whether this kind of preference may lead firms to strategically invest in green technology and introduces a new, private‐based (that contrasts the well‐known public‐based) mechanism through which pollution abatement can emerge as a sub‐game perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE) of a non‐cooperative abatement decision game with product quality and complete information. The model is developed in a parsimonious way to pinpoint the main determinants of the endogenous market outcomes ranging from an anti‐prisoner's dilemma in which self‐interest and mutual benefit of non‐abatement do not conflict to an anti‐prisoner's dilemma in which self‐interest and mutual benefit of abatement do not conflict, passing through to an anti‐coordination scenario. Additionally, the welfare analysis reveals the existence of a win‐win solution from a societal perspective. The article shows that the results obtained in the Cournot setting also hold considering a Bertrand duopoly.
Influence of tutor interventions and group process on medical students' engagement in problem‐based learning
Authors: Kassab Salah Eldin , Hamdy Hossam , Mamede Silvia , Schmidt Henk
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Student engagement is influenced by several variables, among which are the teaching styles employed by faculty. In problem‐based learning (PBL), the role of faculty is to facilitate the learning of the tutorial group as they work through clinical problems. However, the influence of tutor intervention styles and group process on engagement of students in PBL tutorials is unclear.

Methods

The study was conducted with year 2 and 3 medical students (n = 176) in PBL tutorial groups at the end of an integrated PBL course. Students evaluated their behavioural, cognitive and emotional engagement in PBL tutorials using a pre‐validated 11‐item questionnaire. Students also filled in a modified version of a previously published tutor intervention profile (TIP) questionnaire. The modified TIP questionnaire represents three constructs (1) steering the learning process (6 items), (2) stimulating student autonomy (4 items) and (3) establishing relatedness with students (3 items). In addition, PBL group process was evaluated using a 5‐item nominal scale: (1) tutorial atmosphere, (2) listening and information sharing, (3) group performance, (4) decision making and (5) reaction to leadership.

Results

Establishing sense of relatedness in the group by PBL tutors was the most important predictor of emotional engagement (F = 41.213, ΔR2 = 0.191, β = 0.438, P = 0.000). On the other hand, steering the learning process was a significant predictor of behavioural engagement (F = 19.0, ΔR2=0.098, β = 0.314, P = 0.000). However, stimulating student autonomy was not a significant predictor of student engagement in PBL tutorials. On the other hand, enhancing the group process in PBL tutorials significantly predicts student engagement with strong impact on emotional and cognitive engagement of students.

Conclusions

Establishing the sense of relatedness in the group and steering the learning process by PBL tutors as well as improving PBL group process are significant predictors of student engagement in PBL tutorials with emotional and cognitive engagement being the most sensitive variables affected.
The consequences of seeing imagination as a dual‐process virtue
Authors: Lindberg Ingrid Malm
Published: April 2024

Michael T. Stuart (2021 and 2022) has proposed imagination as an intellectual dual‐process virtue, consisting of imagination1 (underwritten by cognitive Type 1 processing) and imagination2 (supported by Type 2 processing). This paper investigates the consequences of taking such an account seriously. It proposes that the dual‐process view of imagination allows us to incorporate recent insights from virtue epistemology, providing a fresh perspective on how imagination can be epistemically reliable. The argument centers on the distinction between General Reliability (GR) and Functional System Reliability (FSR), for example in relation to Kengo Miyazono and Uko Tooming's (2023) argument for epistemic generativity. Furthermore, the paper claims that the dual‐process virtue account enables us to integrate a wide range of findings from the literature on epistemology and imagination. Moreover, it suggests a novel way to distinguish the virtues of creativity and imagination and presents a case for viewing imagination as a virtue rather than a skill.
The plastid‐localized lipoamide dehydrogenase 1 is crucial for redox homeostasis, tolerance to arsenic stress and fatty acid biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Chen Ting‐Ting , Zhao Peng , Wang Yuan , Wang Han‐Qing , Tang Zhu , Hu Han , Liu Yu , Xu Ji‐Ming , Mao Chuan‐Zao , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Wu Zhong‐Chang
Published: April 2024

Soil contamination with arsenic (As) can cause phytotoxicity and reduce crop yield. The mechanisms of As toxicity and tolerance are not fully understood.

In this study, we used a forward genetics approach to isolate a rice mutant, ahs1, that exhibits hypersensitivity to both arsenate and arsenite. Through genomic resequencing and complementation tests, we identified OsLPD1 as the causal gene, which encodes a putative lipoamide dehydrogenase.

OsLPD1 was expressed in the outer cell layer of roots, root meristem cells, and in the mesophyll and vascular tissues of leaves. Subcellular localization and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that OsLPD1 is localized in the stroma of plastids. In vitro assays showed that OsLPD1 exhibited lipoamide dehydrogenase (LPD) activity, which was strongly inhibited by arsenite, but not by arsenate. The ahs1 and OsLPD1 knockout mutants exhibited significantly reduced NADH/NAD+ and GSH/GSSG ratios, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and greater oxidative stress in the roots compared with wild‐type (WT) plants under As treatment. Additionally, loss‐of‐function of OsLPD1 also resulted in decreased fatty acid concentrations in rice grain.

Taken together, our finding reveals that OsLPD1 plays an important role for maintaining redox homeostasis, conferring tolerance to arsenic stress, and regulating fatty acid biosynthesis in rice.
We have no idea what we are walking into: AI and ethical considerations
Authors: Forrest Katherine B.
Published: April 2024

We are at the beginning of the beginning of the beginning of the development of AI. The ethical issues we first saw and are still grappling with have been overtaken by others, and there are yet others on the horizon.
Factors associated with pathologic myopia onset and progression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yii Fabian , Nguyen Linda , Strang Niall , Bernabeu Miguel O. , Tatham Andrew J. , MacGillivray Tom , Dhillon Baljean
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To synthesise evidence across studies on factors associated with pathologic myopia (PM) onset and progression based on the META‐analysis for Pathologic Myopia (META‐PM) classification framework.

Methods

Findings from six longitudinal studies (5–18 years) were narratively synthesised and meta‐analysed, using odds ratio (OR) as the common measure of association. All studies adjusted for baseline myopia, age and sex at a minimum. The quality of evidence was rated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Results

Five out of six studies were conducted in Asia. There was inconclusive evidence of an independent effect (or lack thereof) of ethnicity and sex on PM onset/progression. The odds of PM onset increased with greater axial length (pooled OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.71–2.40; p < 0.001), older age (pooled OR: 1.07; 1.05–1.09; p < 0.001) and more negative spherical equivalent refraction, SER (OR: 0.77; 0.68–0.87; p < 0.001), all of which were supported by an acceptable level of evidence. Fundus tessellation was found to independently increase the odds of PM onset in a population‐based study (OR: 3.02; 2.58–3.53; p < 0.001), although this was only supported by weak evidence. There was acceptable evidence that greater axial length (pooled OR: 1.23; 1.09–1.39; p < 0.001), more negative SER (pooled OR: 0.87; 0.83–0.92; p < 0.001) and higher education level (pooled OR: 3.17; 1.36–7.35; p < 0.01) increased the odds of PM progression. Other baseline factors found to be associated with PM progression but currently supported by weak evidence included age (pooled OR: 1.01), severity of myopic maculopathy (OR: 3.61), intraocular pressure (OR: 1.62) and hypertension (OR: 0.21).

Conclusions

Most PM risk/prognostic factors are not supported by an adequate evidence base at present (an indication that PM remains understudied). Current factors for which an acceptable level of evidence exists (limited in number) are unmodifiable in adults and lack personalised information. More longitudinal studies focusing on uncovering modifiable factors and imaging biomarkers are warranted.
Polymorphic lymphoproliferative disorder arising in a rheumatoid arthritis patient, presenting as fibrin‐associated large B‐cell lymphoma‐like lesions in aortic and mitral valves
Authors: Tsujii Hideaki , Nakayama Ryuko , Funakoshi Sohei , Tsuji Shuhei , Haga Hironori , Ono Kazuo
Published: April 2024

We herein report a case of methotrexate‐associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX‐LPD) showing fibrin‐associated large B‐cell lymphoma‐like heart valve lesions, and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer‐like cutaneous and oral mucosal lesions. MTX‐LPD is a critical complication that can occur in RA patients who are treated with MTX. EBV also plays a defining or important role in LPDs. Among the sites of MTX‐LPD, 40−50% occur in extranodal sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, liver, lung, and kidney. There are few reports of MTX‐LPDs involving the heart valves, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported in the English literature. The possibility of EBV‐positive LPD should be considered in RA patients, even in patients with an atypical site, as in this case.
Observational evidence linking psychotropic medicines to the dispensing of opioid agents in later life
Authors: Almeida Osvaldo P. , Page Amy , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Preen David B. , Etherton‐Beer Christopher
Published: April 2024

Background

The use of opioid medicines is common in developed countries, particularly among older adults and those with mental health disorders. It is unclear if the association between mental disorders and opioid medicines is causal, or is due to reverse causality or confounding.

Methods

We used a 10% random sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (years 2012–2022) to examine the cross‐sectional, case–control and longitudinal association between the dispensing of antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, antipsychotics and lithium, and opioid medicines. We used logistic regression, structural equation models (SEM), and Cox regression to analyze the data. Analyses were adjusted for age (years), sex, and number of non‐psychotropic medicines dispensed during the year.

Results

The 2022 file contained 804 334 individuals aged 50 years or over (53.1% women), of whom 181 690 (22.6%) received an opioid medicine. The adjusted odds ratio of being dispensed opioid medicines was 1.44 (99% CI = 1.42–1.46) for antidepressants, 1.97 (99% CI = 1.92–2.03) for anxiolytics, 1.55 (99% CI = 1.51–1.60) for hypnotics, 1.32 (99% CI = 1.27–1.38) for antipsychotics, and 0.60 (99% CI = 0.53–0.69) for lithium. Similar associations were noticed when we compared participants who were or not dispensed opioid medicines in 2022 for exposure to psychotropic agents between 2012 and 2021. SEM confirmed that this association was not due to reverse causality. The dispensing of antidepressants was associated with increased adjusted hazard (HR) of subsequent dispensing of opioid medicines (HR = 1.29, 99% CI = 1.27–1.30). Similar associations were observed for anxiolytics, hypnotics and antipsychotics, but not lithium.

Conclusions

The dispensing of opioid medicines is higher among older individuals exposed to antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and antipsychotics than those who are not. These associations are not due to reverse causality or study design. Preventive strategies seeking to minimise the risk of inappropriate use of opioid medicines in later life should consider targeting this high‐risk population.
Physiological synchrony in supportive discussions: An examination of co‐rumination, relationship type, and heterogeneity
Authors: DiGiovanni Ana M. , Peters Brett J. , Tudder Ashley , Gresham Abriana M. , Bolger Niall
Published: April 2024

During times of stress, we look to close others for support. Social support conversations are critical for relationship maintenance and well‐being. Yet, certain ways of talking about problems—such as co‐ruminating—can exacerbate stress. Since social support and co‐rumination are both dyadic processes, it is important to examine physiological responses during these conversations in a dyadic manner. Little research has examined physiological synchrony of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) during social support conversations or co‐ruminative conversations. The current research capitalizes on an experimental manipulation of co‐rumination using a sample of close friends (147 dyads) and romantic partners (113 dyads) to examine physiological covariation in the context of support. Across both samples, dyads exhibited significant physiological covariation in pre‐ejection period reactivity (PEP). Contrary to our hypothesis, dyads in the co‐rumination condition did not show more covariation. Close friend dyads did, however, exhibit more covariation as compared to romantic dyads. We also found significant variability in physiological covariation across dyads, with a minority of dyads exhibiting negative covariation of PEP reactivity. The homogeneity of the samples limits the generalizability of the findings and highlights the need for more diverse samples in future work. These findings underline the need for further exploration into the mechanisms that contribute to distinct patterns of physiological synchrony, the conditions in which negative synchrony occurs, and what predicts especially strong positive synchrony. This work extends our understanding of physiological synchrony of the sympathetic nervous system during support conversations and emphasizes the importance of considering heterogeneity in physiological processes.
Why data about people are so hard to govern
Authors: Wong Wendy H. , Duncan Jamie , Lake David A.
Published: April 2024

How data on individuals are gathered, analyzed, and stored remains largely ungoverned at both domestic and global levels. We address the unique governance problem posed by digital data to provide a framework for understanding why data governance remains elusive. Data are easily transferable and replicable, making them a useful tool. But this characteristic creates massive governance problems for all of us who want to have some agency and choice over how (or if) our data are collected and used. Moreover, data are co‐created: individuals are the object from which data are culled by an interested party. Yet, any data point has a marginal value of close to zero and thus individuals have little bargaining power when it comes to negotiating with data collectors. Relatedly, data follow the rule of winner take all—the parties that have the most can leverage that data for greater accuracy and utility, leading to natural oligopolies. Finally, data's value lies in combination with proprietary algorithms that analyze and predict the patterns. Given these characteristics, private governance solutions are ineffective. Public solutions will also likely be insufficient. The imbalance in market power between platforms that collect data and individuals will be reproduced in the political sphere. We conclude that some form of collective data governance is required. We examine the challenges to the data governance by looking a public effort, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, a private effort, Apple's “privacy nutrition labels” in their App Store, and a collective effort, the First Nations Information Governance Centre in Canada.
Subsidized wages, small businesses, and exports: Evidence from the paycheck protection program
Authors: Enami Ali , Ghosh Sucharita
Published: April 2024

The easily forgivable federal loans offered through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to offset the impact of the COVID‐19 recession provide a unique opportunity to investigate whether subsidizing the costs of labor for small firms can increase exports in the whole industry. The main eligibility rule to receive these loans, i.e., having less than 500 employees in 2019 and the size of loans, were dependent on the size of the firm prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This implies a plausibly exogenous variation in the size of the PPP loans across states and industries. We exploit this exogenous variation in the size of PPP loans and estimate a difference‐in‐differences model that allows for heterogenous treatment effect to measure the instantaneous and dynamic effects of these loans. We find that a 10% increase in the size of PPP loans in 2020 and 2021 leads to 0.27% and 0.37% increase in exports in a given state‐industry. The 2020 loans appear to have no lasting effect beyond the quarter they are awarded. The 2021 loans, however, displayed a more dynamic effect and a 10% increase in the size of these loans in one quarter would lead to 0.28% increase in the value of exports three quarters later. In addition to estimating the average effect of these loans, we show that the effects of the loans are significantly heterogeneous across industries and the per‐dollar effect of these loans decreases as the loan size (per employee) increases.
A Dialectical Skazka: Depicting Nature’s Transformation during the First Five‐Year Plan
Authors: Schantz Matthew
Published: April 2024

This paper looks at how a metaphoric vocabulary borrowed from the skazka was used to illustrate dialectical materialism in popular science writing of the early 1930s. In examining the emergence and function of this new style, which I term “dialectical skazochnost',” I offer an explanation of the animated nature trope, which appeared frequently in texts for young readers during the First Five‐Year Plan. Rather than contradicting materialism, the anthropomorphization of non‐living matter in stories about “conquering nature” arose out of an effort to illustrate how natural forces previously considered immutable could be transformed for human use. A popular conception of dialectical materialism guided this use of figurative language, which had been scorned by radical critics during the skazka debates of the late 1920s. I look primarily at two books by M. Il'in, The Story of the Great Plan (1930) and Men and Mountains (1935), which exemplify the use of dialectical skazochnost'.