bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age has an independent association with total cost of care in adults admitted to pediatric hospitals
Authors: Dornbush Sean Robert , Kleinman Michael Scott , McCoy Elisha , Winer Jeffrey Craig , Allen Anna Quantrille 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPrevious studies in adults admitted to pediatric hospitals primarily investigated associations between complex chronic condition characteristics and patient outcomes. Our study explored the association of age with length of stay (LOS) and total cost in these adults, accounting for other patient factors. Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we included 1,215,736 patient encounters from 2021 to 2022. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed using bivariable and multivariable log‐linear regression. There was a significant positive association between age and total cost, with adults 18–20 years having 13% higher total cost (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12%–15%), 21–25 years with 25% higher total cost (95% CI: 22%–29%), and 25–99 years having 72% higher total cost (95% CI: 66%–79%) than 1–17 years. Our findings suggest expanding upon the existing status quo to identify the most appropriate environment to care for this unique and growing population, especially given the anticipated reduction in pediatric beds and subspecialty expertise.
Impact of Electric Field Magnitude in the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Changes in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Kim Eunkyung , Yun Seo Jung , Oh Byung‐Mo , Seo Han Gil 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigated whether the electric field magnitude (E‐field) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L‐DLPFC) changes resting‐state brain activity and the L‐DLPFC resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC), given the variability in tDCS response and lack of understanding of how rsFC changes. Twenty‐one healthy participants received either 2 mA anodal or sham tDCS targeting the L‐DLPFC for 10 min. Brain imaging was conducted before and after stimulation. The fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF), reflecting resting brain activity, and the L‐DLPFC rsFC were analyzed to investigate the main effect of tDCS, main effect of time, and interaction effects. The E‐field was estimated by modeling tDCS‐induced individual electric fields and correlated with fALFF and L‐DLPFC rsFC. Anodal tDCS increased fALFF in the left rostral middle frontal area and decreased fALFF in the midline frontal area (FWE p < 0.050), whereas sham induced no changes. Overall rsFC decreased after sham (positive and negative connectivity, p = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively), with modest and nonsignificant changes after anodal tDCS (p = 0.063 and 0.069, respectively). No significant differences in local rsFC were observed among the conditions. Correlations were observed between the E‐field and rsFC changes in the L‐DLPFC (r = 0.385, p = 0.115), left inferior parietal area (r = 0.495, p = 0.037), and right lateral visual area (r = 0.683, p = 0.002). Single‐session tDCS induced resting brain activity changes and may help maintain overall rsFC. The E‐field in the L‐DLPFC is associated with rsFC changes in both proximal and distally connected brain regions to the L‐DLPFC.
A new gate driver employing linearly sweep signal generated module for high‐resolution micro‐LED display with line‐by‐line pulse width modulation driving method
Authors: Zhang Li‐Rong , Mei Xiang‐Lin , Zhou Zhao‐Hua , Zhou Lei , Liu Chun , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Wu Wei‐Jing , Peng Jun‐Biao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA new gate driver with metal oxide thin‐film transistors (MO‐TFTs) has been presented for micro‐light‐emitting diode (Micro‐LED) display. The proposed gate driver employing linearly decreasing sweep signal generated module could realize the line‐by‐line pulse width modulation (PWM) driving method, which is valuable for application in high‐resolution Micro‐LED display compared with the conventional driving method employing global sweep signal. A simple Micro‐LED pixel circuit including an inverter module driven by the analog PWM method is employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed gate driver. A 10 × 10 green Micro‐LED display array has been fabricated with MO‐TFTs backplane technology. It is shown that a 10‐μs width pulse and linearly scanning sweep signal can be successfully output. Consequently, the pixel circuit array can be driven properly under analog line‐by‐line PWM driving method.
Rest Tremor in Parkinson's Disease Is Associated with Ipsilateral Striatal Dopamine Transporter Binding
Authors: Niemi Kalle J. , Sunikka Juha , Soltanian‐Zadeh Hamid , Davoodi‐Bojd Esmaeil , Rahmim Arman , Kaasinen Valtteri , Joutsa Juho 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) include rigidity, bradykinesia, and rest tremor. Rigidity and bradykinesia correlate with contralateral nigrostriatal degeneration and striatal dopamine deficit, but association between striatal dopamine function and rest tremor has remained unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible link between dopamine function and rest tremor using Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative dataset, the largest prospective neuroimaging cohort of patients with PD.MethodsClinical, [123I]N‐ω‐fluoropropyl‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane ([123I]FP‐CIT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 354 early PD patients and 166 healthy controls were included in this study. We employed a novel approach allowing nonlinear registration of individual scans accurately to a standard space and voxelwise analyses of the association between motor symptoms and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding.ResultsSeverity of both rigidity and bradykinesia was negatively associated with contralateral striatal DAT binding (PFWE < 0.05 [FWE, family‐wise error corrected]). However, rest tremor amplitude was positively associated with increased ipsilateral DAT binding (PFWE < 0.05). The association between rest tremor and binding remained the same controlling for Hoehn & Yahr stage, Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) part III score, bradykinesia–rigidity score, or motor phenotype. The association between rest tremor and binding was independent of bradykinesia‐rigidity and replicated using 2‐year follow‐up data (PFWE < 0.05).ConclusionIn agreement with the existing literature, we did not find a consistent association between rest tremor and contralateral dopamine defect. However, our results demonstrate a link between rest tremor and increased or less decreased ipsilateral DAT binding. Our findings provide novel information about the association between dopaminergic function and parkinsonian rest tremor. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and swim training affect copper metabolism in skeletal muscle in a mouse model of disease
Authors: Białobrodzka Emilia , Flis Damian Jozef , Akdogan Banu , Borkowska Andzelika , Wieckowski Mariusz Roman , Antosiewicz Jedrzej , Zischka Hans , Dzik Katarzyna Patrycja , Kaczor Jan Jacek , Ziolkowski Wieslaw 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSwim training and regulation of copper metabolism result in clinical benefits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice. Therefore, the study aimed to determine whether swim training improves copper metabolism by modifying copper metabolism in the skeletal muscles of ALS mice.MethodsSOD1G93A mice (n = 6 per group) were used as the ALS model, and wild‐type B6SJL (WT) mice as controls (n = 6). Mice with ALS were analyzed before the onset of ALS (ALS BEFORE), at baseline ALS (first disease symptoms, trained and untrained, ALS ONSET), and at the end of ALS (last stage disease, trained and untrained, ALS TERMINAL). Copper concentrations and the level of copper metabolism proteins in the skeletal muscles of the lower leg were determined.ResultsALS disease caused a reduction in the copper concentration in ALS TERMINAL untrained mice compared with the ALS BEFORE (10.43 ± 1.81 and 38.67 ± 11.50 μg/mg, respectively, p = .0213). The copper chaperon for SOD1 protein, which supplies copper to SOD1, and ATPase7a protein (copper exporter), increased at the terminal stage of disease by 57% (p = .0021) and 34% (p = .0372), while the CTR1 protein (copper importer) decreased by 45% (p = .002). Swim training moderately affected the copper concentration and the concentrations of proteins responsible for copper metabolism in skeletal muscles.DiscussionThe results show disturbances in skeletal muscle copper metabolism associated with ALS progression, which is moderately affected by swim training. From a clinical point of view, exercise in water for ALS patients should be an essential element of rehabilitation for maintaining quality of life.
Community awareness, knowledge and perception about malaria vaccine in the Kassena‐Nankana East Municipality: A descriptive cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Mohammed Abdulai , Bam Victoria , Armah Jerry , Kusi‐Amponsah Diji Abigail , Lomotey Alberta Yemotsoo , Poku Collins Atta , Budu Hayford Isaac 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimTo assess community awareness, knowledge and perception of the malaria vaccine.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsMultistage sampling was adopted in recruiting 400 participants. A structured questionnaire designed based on study objectives guided data collection.ResultsParticipants were 18–47 years with a mean age of 30 years. A statistically significant association was observed between socio‐demographic characteristics (age, marital status, religion, education) and the awareness of the malaria vaccine. Majority of the participants (n = 190, 86.4%) said the vaccine was for the protection of children and they perceived that the vaccine would improve children's ability to fight diseases (n = 158, 71.8%), hence should be administered to every child (n = 201, 91.4%). Nurses and other health workers should intensify public education on the malaria vaccine.Patient or Public ContributionCaregivers of children in Kassena‐Nankana East Municipality.
Comparison of race‐ and ethnicity‐specific BMI cutoffs for categorizing obesity severity: a multicountry prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Sujing , Shen Jie , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min , Gao Xiang , Peng Yinshun , Xu Yaqing , Shi Shuxiao , Huang Yue , Dong Ying , Zhong Victor W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare race‐ and ethnicity‐specific BMI cutoffs for the three classes of obesity based on equivalent risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsParticipants without T2D were included from the UK Biobank, the China Health and Nutrition Survey, and the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Poisson regressions with restricted cubic splines were applied to determine BMI cutoffs for each non‐White race and ethnicity for equivalent incidence rates of T2D at BMI values of 30.0, 35.0, and 40.0 kg/m2 in White adults.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 13.8 years among 507,763 individuals, 5.2% developed T2D. In women, BMI cutoffs for an equivalent incidence rate of T2D as observed at 40.0 kg/m2 in White adults were 31.6 kg/m2 in Black, 29.2 kg/m2 in British Chinese, 27.3 kg/m2 in South Asian, 26.9 kg/m2 in Native Chinese, and 25.1 kg/m2 in Singapore Chinese adults. In men, the corresponding BMI cutoffs were 31.9 kg/m2 in Black, 30.6 kg/m2 in British Chinese, 29.0 kg/m2 in South Asian, 29.6 kg/m2 in Native Chinese, and 27.6 kg/m2 in Singapore Chinese adults. The race and ethnicity order was consistent when equivalent BMI cutoffs were estimated for class I and II obesity.ConclusionsEstablishing a race‐ and ethnicity‐tailored classification of the three classes of obesity is urgently needed.
Inequality in Public Provision of Healthcare: Do Fiscal Transfers Matter?
Authors: Harikrishnan K. S. , Hiremath Gourishankar S. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we investigate the inequality in the public provision of healthcare in India and assess whether states are converging over time. We locate the equalization of public provision within the framework of fiscal federalism. Departing from previous work, we gauge disparity in public provision by scrutinizing the provision in terms of primary and community health centers. The and convergence analysis indicate no substantial reduction in inter‐state disparities, raising concerns regarding the attainment of universal healthcare access. In addition, the club convergence analysis identifies states converging into multiple clubs in the public provision of health centers, indicating the persistence of inter‐state disparity. The panel regression estimates indicate the prominence of own revenue over fiscal transfers in determining the public provision of healthcare. The findings underscore the necessity of reforms in fiscal devolution, with a particular emphasis on tax devolution and revamping sector‐specific grants to achieve national targets. The present paper contributes to a long‐standing debate on unconditional versus conditional transfers for public provision.
Native seed collector networks in Brazil: Sowing social innovations for transformative change
Authors: Padovezi Aurelio , Adams Cristina , Chazdon Robin L. , Mendonça Maria Alice , Secco Laura , Campos‐Filho Eduardo Malta , Sampaio Alexandre , Damasceno Edjane , Albuquerque Natalia , Santarem Fabricia , Camargo Maria Eduarda , Pinã‐Rodrigues Fatima 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To investigate whether and how Social Innovation (SI) can contribute to transformative change, we explored nine Native Seed Collectors Networks (NSCNs) in Brazil. Employing Social Network Analysis, we delved into the organisational structure of four NSCNs. Additionally, we identified five instances of social innovations (SIs) using the guiding questions of the Social Innovation—Forest and Landscape Restoration (SI‐FLR) framework.

These networks, which received a total of US$ 12 million in investments from 2018 to 2021, have not only contributed to the production of 180 tonnes of native seeds but also had a significant socioeconomic impact. They have generated a total income of US$ 1.01 million for 997 seed collectors, 46% of whom are from traditional communities and marginalised groups. Furthermore, 55% of these collectors are women, and 23% rely solely on seed collection as their only source of income.

While the NSCNs represent a fledgling economy, they have effectively activated local agency capacity. With the support of the NSCNs' social capital, a favourable context and clear motivations, this agency capacity can trigger SIs. By generating positive impacts, these SIs are changing values and empowering local agents (scaling deep), inspiring agents in other geographies (scaling out) and even influencing policies favourable to socially inclusive landscape restoration (scaling up). This three‐dimensional scaling underscores the catalysing power of SI in NSCNs and their potential contribution to transformative change.

We also emphasise the role of public bodies in promoting enabling conditions, the vital role of local experimentation and the rarely evidenced local agency capacity to leverage SIs in FLR.

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Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks Across Hillslopes Underlain by Continuous Permafrost in the Northern Arctic Foothills, Alaska, United States
Authors: Ainuddin I. H. , Jelinski N. A. , Matamala R. , Ping C. L. , Jastrow J. D. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTConstraining the variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks across hillslopes in Low Arctic permafrost‐affected landscapes remains a significant challenge for improving global estimates of permafrost SOC stocks. We investigated SOC and TN stocks across hillslopes at two sites in the Arctic Foothills of Alaska, United States (Happy Valley and Sagwon Hills). Average SOC and TN stocks for the 0–1‐m depth interval were high (52.0 ± 15.1 kg C m−2 and 2.74 ± 0.82 kg N m−2) and linearly related (R2 = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Unlike soils of other permafrost and nonpermafrost landscapes, variability was greatest within rather than between hillslope positions. Furthermore, SOC and TN stocks in the surface 1 m did not exhibit strong patterns by hillslope position and were only weakly associated with major geomorphic parameters that typically predict SOC and TN stocks well in other landscapes. Although sampling at upper hillslope positions was largely limited to depths of less than 1.5 m due to the presence of coarse fragments in reworked glacial till, deeper observations at lower hillslope positions (footslopes, toeslopes, and basins) revealed significantly larger SOC stocks (92.0 ± 18.0 kg C m−2 at 2 m; 117.1 ± 10.4 kg C m−2 at 3 m). The unique small‐scale variability in ice content, cryoturbation, patterned ground, and organic layer thickness on these broad, Low Arctic sites contributes to the relatively homogeneous distribution of SOC and TN stocks across hillslope positions in the top 1 m, but a future focus on deeper sampling may reveal greater differences in SOC and TN stocks.
Effect of blue light emitting diode therapy on recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized assessor‐blinded controlled trial
Authors: Shalaby Radwa M. , El‐Kosery Soheir M. , Soliman Mahmoud M. , Osman Doaa A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveVulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent genital infection in women of reproductive age and requires effective non‐drug therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of blue light emitting diode (LED) therapy as an alternative treatment for recurrent VVC due to its proven antimicrobial properties. The safety and non‐invasiveness of LED therapy make it a promising option for sensitive tissue applications.Materials and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial recruited 60 women with culture‐confirmed VVC. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A (control group) received standard antifungal treatment with Gynoconazol 0.8% vaginal cream for three consecutive nights (n = 30). Group B (study group) received the same antifungal treatment plus two 60‐min sessions of blue LED therapy directed at the vagina and vulva, with the sessions separated by two days (n = 30). Candida count (via CHROMagar™ Candida) and vaginal pH (via AD110‐AD111 m) were assessed at baseline and one week after initiating treatment.ResultsPost‐treatment, group (B) demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in Candida count compared to group (A) (mean difference (MD) 8.267; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6.723–9.811; p = 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in vaginal pH between the groups (MD −0.03; 95% CI −0.244–0.178; p = 0.749).ConclusionBlue LED therapy effectively reduces Candida count in women with recurrent VVC without adversely affecting the vaginal pH, highlighting its safety and efficacy as a treatment modality.
Progress of Exosomal MicroRNAs and Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Liang Jinping , Zhu Yuchen , Liu Shasha , Kuang Boyu , Tian Zhifeng , Zhang Ling , Yang Songwei , Lin Meiyu , Chen Naihong , Liu Xuan , Ai Qidi , Yang Yantao 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTExosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, actively participate in intercellular communication by facilitating the exchange of crucial molecular information such as DNA, RNA, and lipids. Within this intricate network, microRNAs, endogenous non‐coding small RNAs, emerge as pivotal regulators of post‐transcriptional gene expression, significantly influencing the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The historical prominence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical practice in China underscores its enduring significance. Notably, TCM monomers, serving as active constituents within herbal medicine, assume a critical role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in mitigating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the specific involvement of exosomal microRNAs in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the exploration extends to the application of TCM monomers, elucidating their efficacy as therapeutic agents in these conditions. Additionally, the review examines the utilization of exosomes as drug delivery carriers in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, providing a nuanced understanding of the potential synergies between TCM and modern therapeutic approaches. This synthesis of knowledge aims to contribute to the advancement of our comprehension of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and the potential therapeutic avenues offered by TCcom interventions.
Systems Thinking, Causal Loop Diagram, and Systems Dynamic in Public Health Challenges: Navigating Long COVID Syndrome and Sense of Smell in LGBTQIA+ Communities
Authors: Akbari Behnaz , Wang Jessica M. , Baghaei‐Yazdi Namdar , Lahooti Hooshang , Sherman Janet Hope 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic has profoundly affected global health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Despite these challenges, significant gaps in data remain, particularly in effectively assessing and engaging diverse communities such as color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and low‐income groups. This shortage of comprehensive research limits our capacity to undertake sensitive studies, specifically in dealing with the complexities of long COVID, which some individuals continue to suffer from after their initial recovery.ObjectiveThis review delves into the ongoing repercussions of long‐term COVID‐19, a postinfectious syndrome marked by neurological symptoms such as cognitive deficits and sensory impairments, which may last well beyond the acute phase of the illness. These symptoms frequently overlap with mental health issues (e.g., anxiety and depression), which can aggravate the socioeconomic challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially within the LGBTQA+ communities.MethodsTo tackle these complex interactions, we have introduced a novel public health framework: model‐based systems thinking (MBST), which incorporates System Dynamics and causal loop diagrams (CLD).Results and DiscussionThe articles were selected on the basis of their discussion of COVID‐19‐associated anosmia, exploration of olfactory dysfunction alongside neurocognitive disorders, and the challenges experienced in LGBQA+ communities. This approach offers a robust framework for dissecting the intricate ties between socioeconomic factors, health outcomes, and the extended recovery trajectories associated with long‐term COVID‐19, with a particular focus on olfactory dysfunction. We also explore strategies to make our models more accessible to healthcare providers and the LGBTQA+ communities, encouraging its broader adoption.ConclusionLong COVID's impact on public health and marginalized communities highlights the urgent need for adopting systems thinking models. Additionally, this article calls for a concerted effort from all experts to foster multidisciplinary, team‐based research and implement effective support measures for COVID‐19 survivors across all communities, mainly focusing on the scientific, social, and behavioral challenges LGBTQIA+ and low‐income individuals face.