bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in air sac morphology and postcranial skeletal pneumatization patterns in the African grey parrot
Authors: Lawson Adam B. , Martinez Aracely , Hedrick Brandon P. , Echols M. Scott , Schachner Emma R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe anatomy of the avian lower respiratory system includes a complex interaction between air‐filled pulmonary tissues, pulmonary air sacs, and much of the postcranial skeleton. Hypotheses related to the function and phylogenetic provenance of these respiratory structures have been posed based on extensive interspecific descriptions for an array of taxa. By contrast, intraspecific descriptions of anatomical variation for these features are much more limited, particularly for skeletal pneumatization, and are essential to establish a baseline for evaluating interspecific variation. To address this issue, we collected micro‐computed tomography (μCT) scans of live and deceased African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) to assess variation in the arrangement of the lungs, the air sacs, and their respective invasion of the postcranial skeleton via pneumatic foramina. Analysis reveals that the two pairs of caudalmost air sacs vary in size and arrangement, often exhibiting an asymmetric morphology. Further, locations of the pneumatic foramina are more variable for midline, non‐costal skeletal elements when compared to other pneumatized bones. These findings indicate a need to better understand contributing factors to variation in avian postcranial respiratory anatomy that can inform future intraspecific and interspecific comparisons.
Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Male Patients With Different Ages of Rosacea: A Retrospective Study of 215 Male Outpatients
Authors: Huang Yuwei , Chen Siliang , Liu Xu , Du Dan , Jiang Xian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundRosacea is more common in women and Caucasians, leading to little research on rosacea in Asian men. Additionally, there is limited research on the patients across different age groups.AimsThe aim of this study is to analyze and compare the characteristics of male patients of rosacea among different age groups.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 215 male patients with rosacea, investigating their characteristics, clinical symptoms, exacerbating factors, complications, psychological status, and treatment, as well as exploring factors influencing the early onset of male rosacea.ResultsThe patients were divided into three age groups (≤ 30 years, 31–44 years, and ≥ 45 years), with the study revealing an average age of 38.59 ± 13.13 years among the patients. The most common subtype of rosacea in men was erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), followed by phymatous rosacea (PhR). The main reported features included persistent erythema (87.4%) and telangiectasia (71.2%), predominantly affecting the nose (58.6%) and cheeks (56.3%). Twenty‐six percent of patients reported concurrent skin diseases, with 14.0% reporting systemic diseases. Significant differences were observed among different age groups regarding family history, clinical features, lesion distribution, symptom severity, aggravating factors, presence of systemic diseases, and treatment preferences. Subjective skin typing, Fitzpatrick phototype, and positive family history were identified as factors influencing the age of onset of rosacea in men.ConclusionMale patients with rosacea exhibit distinct clinical characteristics, with a greater prevalence of nasal involvement and nasal lesions among male patients. Clinical features vary among different age groups, with patients aged ≥ 45 experiencing more complex and severe symptoms. Patients aged ≤ 30 may be more influenced by genetic factors and have higher treatment expectations.
Depression and risk of stroke and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: A nationwide population study
Authors: Cheon Dae Young , Park Yong‐Moon , Park Myung Soo , Choi Jae Hyuk , Oh Mi‐Sun , Han Seongwoo , Yu Kyung‐Ho , Lee Byung‐Chul , Han Kyungdo , Lee Minwoo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundLimited evidence exists on the role of depression in the risk of developing stroke and other cardiovascular outcomes in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). We investigated this relationship with data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.MethodsOur nationwide retrospective cohort study included 164,198 patients who had undergone PCI between 2010 and 2017. Depression was defined with the ICD‐10 codes recorded prior to the PCI. The primary outcome was a new‐onset stroke following the PCI. Secondary outcomes included PCI with myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization (PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting), and all‐cause mortality. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounders, including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and MI at the index PCI.ResultsOver a median follow‐up of 5.0 years, acute stroke occurred in 5.7% of patients with pre‐existing depression (17.4% of the study population), compared to 3.5% of those without depression. Depression was associated with a 27% increased risk of acute stroke (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.20–1.35). Additionally, depression was linked with a 25% elevated risk of all‐cause death (aHR 1.25, 95% CI, 1.21–1.29) and an 8% increased risk of revascularization (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.11). The associations with the risk of stroke and all‐cause mortality were stronger in patients under 65 years.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that pre‐existing depression may increase the risk of stroke and all‐cause mortality following PCI, particularly in patients under 65 years. Additionally, depression was significantly associated with an increased need for revascularization. This underscores the potential benefits of managing depression to reduce stroke risk and overall cardiovascular outcomes following PCI.
A simplified approach to define cervical vertebral levels in spinal cord MRI studies
Authors: Papinutto Nico , Perretti Ilaria , Mallott Jacob , Cheng Shuiting , Cooper Tiffany , Gomez Refujia , Stern William A. , Pichiecchio Anna , Caverzasi Eduardo , Henry Roland G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeSpinal cord (SC) cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) assessed with MRI have proven to be extremely valuable imaging markers in several diseases. Among the challenges is the delineation of vertebral levels to determine level‐dependent changes in cord atrophy. With this study, we aimed to (1) test the hypothesis that there is proportionality in the position of the first six intervertebral discs and the length of the upper portion of the SC and (2) show that a proportionality approach can simplify the CSA assessment across vertebrae offering good reliability.MethodsForty‐six volunteers underwent standard T2‐weighted and T1‐weighted cervical SC MRI acquisitions. The distance between the obex and the intervertebral discs (from C2‐C3 to T1‐T2) was measured on the T2‐weighted acquisitions of the entire cohort. In a test‐retest experiment on 12 subjects, the % disc position values were used to define vertebral levels, and a comparison was performed with manual vertebrae assignment in terms of mean CSA and its coefficient of variation.ResultsThe mean upper cord length for the cohort was 144.0 ± 13.1 mm. The discs’ level % position in the upper cord was found to be fairly consistent, with standard deviations of 0.8%‐1.7%. The mean vertebral CSA obtained with the proportionality method was substantially equivalent to the manual approach in terms of mean CSA values and test‐retest reliability.ConclusionsWith this study, we propose a proportionality method for the assignment of cervical SC vertebral levels that can simplify the processing of MRI datasets in the context of CSA measurements.
Evaluation of an Australian community‐based model of care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities undergoing procedures under sedation
Authors: Golder Janet , Adams Reece , Calleja Shenae , Templeton Michelle , Foster Abby 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have higher healthcare needs, but experience difficulties accessing preventative healthcare. Despite this inequity, models of care that address barriers and provide customized treatment are limited, exacerbating vulnerabilities and poorer health outcomes. This study describes the development of a procedural model of care (PMOC) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and evaluates the sedation tier, exploring procedure and sedation outcomes.MethodsDevelopment of the PMOC was informed by current evidence and themes identified in stakeholder consultation and literature. A retrospective cohort study evaluated the sedation option within the model, conducted at a community‐based disability service in Melbourne, Australia. All records over a 14‐month period were included. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze data.ResultsThe PMOC includes assessment, intervention, and evaluation tiers. Intervention options range from least to most invasive, culminating in the sedation level (mild; oral psychoactive, moderate; midazolam and nitrous oxide, high; general anesthetic). A total of 127 adults with IDDs received procedures under sedation; median age was 26 years, 61% lived with family, and 81% had multiple disabilities. A total of 197 procedures were referred to CDDH, including immunization (61%) and oral health reviews (23%), and resulted in 98% completion rate. Mild (n = 36) and moderate (n = 95) sedation were used for 67% of procedures. The PMOC correctly predicted 91% of sedation requirements. Living with family (OR 2.211, 95% CI 1.001–4.885, p = 0.05); immunization (OR 7.935, 95% CI 4.025–15.644, p <0.001); and multiple disabilities (OR 3.064, 95% CI 1.123–8.362, p = 0.029) were associated with mild, moderate and high sedation options, respectively.ConclusionsModels of care offering individualized interventions can support adults with IDDs to receive preventative procedures. Demographic variables may be able to predict sedation requirements. Wider application of this model may reduce health inequity within this vulnerable population.
Moving toward a time‐based and balanced quality of life
Authors: Sgaramella Teresa Maria 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCurrent complex life conditions and changing developmental contexts draw attention to the concept of capabilities, the various combinations of functions a person can do or can be, and the opportunities to achieve them. A future‐oriented time perspective is a dimension along which individuals express meaning‐making of experiences and expectations regarding their lives, a benchmark for the well‐being and satisfaction of the quality of life they experience. Findings from research studies involving adults with disabilities and family members of persons with a disability provide evidence for a time‐based model, an approach tapping into both the concept and measurement of quality of life and balancing both current and expected quality of life.
Multiple Low‐Level Viraemia Suggest Hindered Liver Fibrosis Regression in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients During Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Lu Zhengzhao , Sun Ya‐Meng , Chen Shuyan , Meng Tongtong , Wang Bingqiong , Zhou Jialing , Wu Xiaoning , Zhao Xinyan , Ou Xiaojuan , Kong Yuan‐Yuan , Jia Jidong , Zhao Xinyu , You Hong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTLow‐level viraemia (LLV) occurs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients despite antiviral treatment, which may cause failed histological regression. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of different LLV types on fibrosis regression. The prospective study enrolled CHB patients with paired liver biopsies before and after 260 weeks of entecavir treatment. Fibrosis regression was defined by the Ishak score or P‐I‐R system. Patients were grouped as the SVR (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL persistently) or LLV (HBV DNA between 20 and 2000 IU/mL), which were further grouped as very low‐level viraemia (VLLV, HBV DNA < 50 IU/mL), occasionally LLV (OLLV, HBV DNA ≥ 50 IU/mL only once) and multiple LLV (MLLV, HBV DNA ≥ 50 IU/mL more than once). Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis included 111 CHB patients. In the SVR group (n = 54), 39 (72.2%) patients had fibrosis regression, which was higher than the LLV (56.1%, p = 0.080). The fibrosis regression rates for VLLV (30 patients), OLLV (17 patients) and MLLV (10 patients) were 70.0%, 52.9% and 30.0%, respectively. Compared with SVR, VLLV (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.28–2.21; p = 0.644) was not associated with fibrosis regression, but patients with non‐VLLV (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09–0.85; p = 0.025), especially with MLLV (aOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04–0.97; p = 0.046) is significantly associated with hindered fibrosis regression. Our study suggests that patients with detectable serum HBV DNA levels higher than 50 IU/mL need to be monitored carefully, especially in those with more than once.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT01938781 and NCT01938820
Patterns and drivers of alien plant invasion in Uruguayan grasslands
Authors: Guido Anaclara , Altesor Alice , Cayssials Valerie , Lezama Felipe , Mello Ana Laura , Paruelo José , Baeza Santiago 
Published: October 2024

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding the patterns of alien plant invasions and their underlying drivers is a key step in conserving the remaining native grasslands of Uruguay. We addressed the level of invasion by considering the four invasive alien plants of these ecosystems, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis plana, Senecio madagascariensis and Ulex europaeus, throughout the country.LocationRemnant native grasslands of Uruguay, constituting part of the Río de la Plata grasslands.MethodsExtensive fieldwork was carried out over five years of data collection, including hierarchically randomized observations (around 2000) nested in 137 10 × 10‐km2 squares covering different geomorphological regions. For each invasive alien species, we constructed distribution maps to show their patterns; for the two most abundant, we fitted models to identify the main explanatory variables at different spatial scales.ResultsWe found that 77% of the squares were invaded by at least one target species. The level of invasion varied between regions and target plants. The most abundant invasive alien species were Cynodon dactylon and Senecio madagascariensis; while Eragrostis plana and Ulex europaeus were scarce. Cynodon dactylon cover was related to a set of variables at different spatial scales, including climate, topography and several local community descriptors. Senecio madagascariensis cover was positively associated with grassland fragmentation and anthropic disturbance at the landscape, and a few local descriptors.ConclusionsThe large sampling effort at the country level, with a randomized design, allowed for a reliable assessment of the level of invasion of Uruguayan grasslands and its possible drivers. This is an important step in the design of policies to conserve Uruguay's remaining native grasslands. We suggest that the prevention should focus on the Basaltic Cuestas region, while control and containment should prioritize the eastern and south‐central parts of the country, focusing mainly on Cynodon dactylon management.
Evaluating What Works in the Classroom: Best Practice and Future Opportunities
Authors: Bowen Astrid E. J. , Palmer Lucy R. J. , Perry Roisin C. , Thomas Michael S. C. , Tolmie Andrew , Borst Grégoire , Van Herwegen Jo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDespite a high level of interest and investment in “gold standard” evaluations of interventions in education, the gap between teaching practice and the latest research on learning appears wider than ever; likewise, persistent attainment gaps between certain groups remain. This report summarizes the presentations and discussion from a roundtable event that brought together representatives from educational practice, research, and policy to explore challenges and solutions in relation to establishing “what works” in different educational contexts. The commentary addresses issues surrounding (a) who is involved and when, (b) a need for methodological innovation, (c) communication, and (d) understanding and use of evidence by educators and policymakers. Suggestions for best practice in relation to addressing these issues using national and international examples are presented. Identified recommendations related to facilitating a research culture within the teaching profession, the promotion of data sharing and communication, and conducting realistic evaluations. Outstanding questions are highlighted.
Girmitiya nationalism: Lived cultures and diasporic bonding in a plural society
Authors: Gowricharn Ruben 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNationalism studies tend to focus on a relatively closed and abstract nation. This paper addresses these features by analysing the case of Girmitiya nationalism, a nationalism in the Indian diaspora that broadens the exclusive focus on the nation. It introduces the concept of lived culture that makes the nationalism of an ethnic diaspora community concrete and specifies the interaction between global forces and local life. Using data obtained as a member of the studied ethnic community and deploying additional concepts such as ethnogenesis, Creole hegemonic nationalism, ethnification, diaspora bonding and Girmitiya ideology, the paper demonstrates the usefulness of the concept of lived culture. The concept of lived culture thus discloses the specificities of Girmitiya nationalism, while countervailing the tendency to restrict the focus on the nation and offering a route to broaden the focus.
Are ‘coercive’ language policies fair?
Authors: Pena‐Tarradelles Joana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper provides a normative justification regarding the fairness of ‘coercively’ protecting minority languages in mixed societies where the minority group already knows the majority language. To do so, it adopts first a theory‐testing approach and examines, by using the Catalan case, the validity of the arguments presented in Morales‐Gálvez's (2017) ‘protectionist’ theory of linguistic justice. In this vein, it argues that some of the ideas this author uses to defend the ‘coercive’ protection of minority languages still work when the minority group is bilingual. Yet, there are others that appear to be problematic. As such, this paper then unfolds using a theory‐building approach and reframes these concepts with the objective of proposing complementary arguments. This article concludes that ‘coercive’ policies to protect the language of a bilingualised minority group are fair and necessary if they aim to accomplish active reciprocal bilingualism and hence ensure equal rights for all speakers.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of functional vitamin B12 status among adult vegans
Authors: Niklewicz Ali , Hannibal Luciana , Warren Martin , Ahmadi Kourosh R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe dietary intake of vitamin B12 among unsupplemented vegans is notably lower compared to both vegetarians and omnivores. Prolonged low intakes of vitamin B12, such as seen in those adhering to a vegan diet, lead to physiological deficiency of vitamin B12 and an elevated risk of B12‐related morbidity. However, while serum B12 serves as a conventional biomarker for assessing B12 status, its utility is limited given its sensitivity and specificity in ascribing physiological deficiency of B12 and the functional vitamin B12 status of those adhering to vegan diets is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using data based on the full panel of biomarkers of vitamin B12 status to test whether adherence to a vegan diet is associated with an elevated risk of functional vitamin B12 deficiency compared to vegetarian or omnivorous diets. In addition, subgroup analysis was carried out to look at the effect of vitamin B12 supplement use on B12 status among vegans. Our search identified 4002 records, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and 17 studies were taken forward for the meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis results revealed significantly lower serum B12, pmol/ (−0.72 [−1.26, −0.18]; p = 0.01) and elevated total homocysteine, μmol/L (tHcy) (0.57 [0.26, 0.89]; p < 0.001) concentrations, alongside elevated methylmalonic acid, nmol/L (MMA) (0.28 [−0.01, 0.57]; p = 0.06) and lower holotranscobalamin, pmol/ (HoloTC) (−0.42 [−0.91, 0.07]; p = 0.09) levels among vegan adults compared to omnivores, indicating increased functional B12 deficiency in addition to low vitamin B12 status in vegan adults. There were no differences between vegans and vegetarians in HoloTC (0.04 [−0.28, 0.35]; p = 0.814) or MMA (−0.05 [−0.29, 0.20]; p = 0.708), but differences were found in serum B12 (−0.25 [−0.40, −0.10]; p = 0.001) and for tHcy (0.24 [0.09, 0.39]; p = 0.002) concentrations. Subgroup analyses indicated that the use of vitamin B12 supplements among vegans contributes to significant improvements in all biomarker concentrations compared to their unsupplemented counterparts. Our findings underscore the need for improved strategies to redress poor vitamin B12 status with appropriate B12 supplementation use among those adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Comparison of measurement of integrated relaxation pressure by esophageal manometry with analysis of swallowing sounds with artificial intelligence in patients with achalasia
Authors: Lankarani Kamran B. , Aboulpor Nahid , Boostani Reza , Saeian Samira 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal motility disorders are mainly evaluated with high‐resolution manometry (HRM) which is a time‐consuming and uncomfortable procedure with potential adverse events. Acoustic characterization of the swallowing has the potential to be an alternative noninvasive procedure.MethodsWe compared the findings on HRM and swallowing sounds in 43 patients who were referred for evaluation of dysphagia. The sound analysis was done with empirical mode decomposition method and with artificial intelligence (AI) and the estimated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) from a two‐layer neural network method was compared to measured IRP on HRM. The model then was tested in five patients.Key ResultsIRP was estimated with high accuracy using the model developed with two‐layer neural network method.Conclusions & InferencesThe analysis of acoustic properties of swallowing has the potential to be used for evaluation of esophageal motility disorders, this needs to be further evaluated in larger studies.