bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiological and molecular profile of furcation defects in a population with untreated periodontitis
Authors: Santamaria Pasquale , Jin Yi , Ghuman Mandeep , Shoaie Saeed , Spratt David , Troiano Giuseppe , Nibali Luigi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo describe the microbiological composition of subgingival dental plaque and molecular profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal furcation‐involved defects.Materials and MethodsFifty‐seven participants with periodontitis contributed with a degree II–III furcation involvement (FI), a non‐furcation (NF) periodontal defect and a periodontally healthy site (HS). Subgingival plaque was analysed by sequencing the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and a multiplex bead immunoassay was carried out to estimate the GCF levels of 18 GCF biomarkers. Aiming to explore inherent patterns and the intrinsic structure of data, an AI‐clustering method was also applied.ResultsIn total, 171 subgingival plaque and 84 GCF samples were analysed. Four microbiome clusters were identified and associated with FI, NF and HS. A reduced aerobic microbiota (p = .01) was detected in FI compared with NF; IL‐6, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, BMP‐2, SOST, EGF and TIMP‐1 levels were increased in the GCF of FI compared with NF.ConclusionsThis is the first study to profile periodontal furcation defects from a microbiological and inflammatory standpoint using conventional and AI‐based analyses. A reduced aerobic microbial biofilm and an increase of several inflammatory, connective tissue degradation and repair markers were detected compared with other periodontal defects.
History of Midwifery at Tuskegee: Vanguards of Midwifery Education
Authors: Holley Sharon L. , Mitchell Stephanie , Muñoz Elizabeth G. , Cockerham Anne Z. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTuskegee, in Macon County, Alabama, has played an important role in Alabama's midwifery legacy and was home to 2 different midwifery education programs from the 1920s through the 1940s. In response to a 1918 state law requiring midwives to pass an examination to receive a practice permit in their county, stakeholders developed a four‐week course for Black Alabamian midwives on the grounds of Tuskegee Institute at the John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital. In the 1940s, in the same location on the grounds of Tuskegee Institute, the Tuskegee School of Nurse‐Midwifery educated Black nurse‐midwives to improve Black maternal and neonatal outcomes in the South.
The effect of virtual reality versus standard‐of‐care treatment on pain perception during paediatric vaccination: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: García‐Garcés Laura , Ruiz‐Zaldibar Cayetana , Lluesma‐Vidal Marta , Serra‐Guillén Isabel , Tomás‐Saura Inmaculada , Sánchez‐López María Inmaculada 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo study the effects of virtual reality (VR) on pain perception among a paediatric population while being vaccinated. We will also investigate the effects of VR on the fear experienced by children during the vaccination procedure, as well as parental satisfaction levels.BackgroundMany studies, for example, in the fields of oncology, dermatology or plastic surgery, have described the benefits of using VR to reduce the perception of pain among paediatric populations. These results are encouraging, but their main limitations were the small sample sizes they included or their methodological design.DesignThis will be a randomised clinical trial.MethodsSPIRIT guidelines were followed to report this protocol, and we will use the CONSORT and CONSORT‐EHEALTH guidelines to report the randomised clinical trial. The sample will comprise 148 children aged 3–14 years who will come for vaccination at the Tres Forques Health Center. The participants will be randomly allocated into intervention group (VR; n = 74) or (the control group standard‐of‐care; n = 74) at a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will view experiences with a VR headset as a distraction measure. The study variables will be the level of pain and fear perceived by the child during vaccination, parental satisfaction with the vaccination procedure, and sociodemographic and vaccination variables.ResultsThe start of the study is planned for September 2020, and the results will be expected in September 2021.ConclusionsThis study aims to identify what measures reduce pain and fear in children during vaccination, which in turn, can help to improve the degree of parental satisfaction with these procedures.Relevance to Clinical PracticeVaccination is an independent function of the nursing profession. Identifying which distraction measures reduce the perception of pain and fear in the paediatric population will not only improve children's experiences but will also improve the satisfaction of both parents and children, thus increasing the degree of compliance with the vaccination schedule.
Acute care nurses' decisions to recognise and respond to patient improvement: A qualitative study
Authors: Burdeu Gabrielle , Rasmussen Bodil , Lowe Grainne , Considine Julie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo explore and describe acute care nurses’ decisions to recognise and respond to improvement in patients’ clinical states as they occurred in the real‐world clinical environment.DesignA descriptive study.MethodsNine medical and eleven surgical nurses in a large Australian metropolitan hospital were individually observed during nurse–patient interactions and followed up in interview to describe their reasoning and clinical judgements behind observed decisions. Verbal description of observations and interviews were recorded and transcribed. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe three themes constructed from the data were as follows: nurses checking in; nurses reaching judgements about improvements; and nurses deciding on the best person to respond. Acute care nurses made targeted assessment decisions based on predicted safety risks related to improvement in clinical states. Subjective and objective cues were used to assess for and make judgements about patient improvement. Acute care nurses’ judgment of patient safety and a desire to promote patient centred care guided their decisions to select the appropriate person to manage improvement.ConclusionsThe outcomes of this research have demonstrated that the proven safety benefits of acute care nurses’ decision making in response to deterioration extend to improvement in patients’ clinical states. In response to improvement, acute care nurses’ decisions protect patients from harm and promote recovery.Implications for patient careEarly recognition and response to improvement enable acute care nurses to protect patients from risks of unnecessary treatment and promote recovery.ImpactThis study makes explicit nurses’ essential safety role in recognising and responding to improvement in patients’ clinical states. Healthcare policy and education must reflect the equal importance of assessment for and management of deterioration and improvement to ensure patients are protected and provided with safe care.
Effects of high‐intensity interval training on sleep disturbances associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Pieper Anima , Bermpohl Felix , Meyer Kristina , Bathe‐Peters Rouven , Trobisch Viola , Schulte Antonia , Grummt Maximilian , Wolfarth Bernd , Ströhle Andreas , Schoofs Nikola , Priebe Kathlen 
Published: August 2024

SummarySleep disturbances are common in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. Exercise interventions are a promising approach in the treatment of sleep disorders, but little is known about the efficacy of exercise interventions for sleep disturbances associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. A total of 40 individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder were randomized to six sessions of either high‐intensity interval training or low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training, administered within 12 days. Sleep quality was assessed over 24 days from baseline to post with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a sleep log, and a waist‐worn actigraphy. Analyses revealed that, regardless of group allocation, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score improved significantly by 2.28 points for high‐intensity interval training and 1.70 points for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.56 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.49 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training) over time, while there were no significant changes in any sleep log or actigraphy measure. Analysis of a subsample of those affected by clinically significant sleep disturbances (n = 24) revealed a significant time effect with no difference between exercise interventions: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index improved significantly by 2.65 points for high‐intensity interval training and 2.89 points for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.53 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.88 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training), and actigraphy measure of wake after sleep onset was reduced significantly by 14.39 minutes for high‐intensity interval training and 6.96 minutes for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.47 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.11 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training) from baseline to post. In our pilot study, we found an improvement in sleep quality from pre‐ to post‐assessment. There were no significant differences between exercise groups. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the found time effects reflect the exercise intervention or unrelated factors.
Can the Scope of Secularization Theory Be Expanded Beyond the Modern‐Christian‐West? Exploring the Alevi Experience in Turkey
Authors: Ertit Volkan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study asserts that the secularization theory has the potential to offer insights into the processes of social change experienced by faith groups outside the modern West. The study focuses on the transformation undergone by Alevi groups in Turkey, who are now experiencing a more modern way of life compared to their past. In this qualitative study, data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews during field studies in the cities of Çorum (Turk Alevis) and Tunceli/Dersim (Zaza/Kurd Alevis). Based on the interview findings, the study concludes that the new Alevi generation leads a more modern and at the same time more secular daily life compared to their parents. Therefore, the main assertion of this research is that the classical secularization theory has the potential to provide valuable insights not only for modern societies where Christianity is dominant but also for understanding the transformations occurring within Alevi communities in Turkey.
Assessment of HBV variants and novel viral and immune biomarkers in chronic hepatitis B patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Patel Nishi H. , Lucko Aaron , Vachon Alicia , Doucette Karen E. , Ramji Alnoor , Sycuro Laura , Patel Trushar R. , Chadee Kris , Raman Maitreyi , van Marle Guido , Osiowy Carla , Coffin Carla S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCo‐existing chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can exert complex effects on hepatic metabolism, requiring mechanistic study. CHB participants were assessed for MASLD and the impact of hepatic steatosis/metabolic syndrome (MetS) on novel viral and immunological markers. In this prospective, cohort study, untreated CHB subjects were assessed for liver disease by non‐invasive tests (i.e. FibroScan, controlled attenuation parameter, CAP). Subjects were tested for cytokines and IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay to HBV Surface (S) and Core (C) proteins. Standard HBV serological, exploratory biomarkers and deep sequencing of HBV S and C genes were performed. In 53 subjects (median age 45 years [SD = 10.6], 35% F, 56% Asian, 20% Black, 3% White), 94% (50) HBeAg negative, 63% genotype B/C, mean HBV DNA 3.2 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.8), quantitative HBsAg 2.9 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.2) and HBV pgRNA 2.1 log10 copies/mL (SD = 1.3). In enrolled subjects, the mean ALT was 41.9 U/L (SD = 24.0), FibroScan was 5.7 kPa (SD = 1.9) and CAP was 306.4 dB/m (SD = 49.0). The mean BMI was 28.2 kg/m2 (SD = 4.2), 20% (11/53) had diabetes, 35% (19/53) dyslipidaemia and 24% (13/53) hypertension. Subjects with MetS and steatosis showed lower HBV markers (p < .01), higher HBV S diversity (p = .02) and greater frequency of HBV variants associated with host‐anti‐viral immune escape. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and HBV‐specific cellular responses were higher in participants with hepatic steatosis. In CHB, MASLD/hepatic steatosis was associated with HBV variants and systemic immune responses potentially impacting liver disease progression despite low‐level viraemia.
Sustained Virological Response After Early Discontinuation of Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Flisiak Robert , Zarębska‐Michaluk Dorota , Janczewska Ewa , Parfieniuk‐Kowerda Anna , Mazur Włodzimierz , Sitko Marek , Janocha‐Litwin Justyna , Krygier Rafał , Lorenc Beata , Piekarska Anna , Sobala‐Szczygieł Barbara , Dobrowolska Krystyna , Socha Łukasz , Jaroszewicz Jerzy 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTTo date, the effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) discontinued before 4 weeks has not been analysed in routine clinical practice. The study aimed to determine whether such a short therapy will enable achieving a sustained virological response under real‐world experience. The study population of 97 patients who discontinued DAA therapy and had data enabling analysis of patient and disease characteristics, and assessment of treatment effectiveness was selected from 16,815 patients registered in the EpiTer‐2 database. The most common reason for discontinuation was hepatic decompensation (20.6%) or the patient's personal decision (18.6%). Patients who discontinued treatment were significantly older, more frequently therapy‐experienced, more likely to have cirrhosis, a history of decompensation and a Child–Pugh B or C classification than those who completed treatment. SVR was achieved by 93.5% of patients who discontinued treatment after 4 weeks, 60.9% if discontinued at 3 or 4 week and 33.3% at Week 1 or 2. Patients receiving pangenotypic but not genotype‐specific treatment who discontinued after 4 weeks were as likely to achieve SVR as those who completed therapy. Patients who responded to treatment that lasted no longer than 2 weeks had a low baseline viral load (<400,000 IU/mL). Despite discontinuation of therapy after Week 4, the chances of SVR are high. Very early discontinuation does not preclude therapeutic success, especially in patients with low baseline viral load.
Central mechanisms of emesis: A role for GDF15
Authors: Borner Tito , Pataro Allison M. , De Jonghe Bart C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundNausea and emesis are ubiquitously reported medical conditions and often present as treatment side effects along with polymorbidities contributing to detrimental life‐threatening outcomes, such as poor nutrition, lower quality of life, and unfavorable patient prognosis. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress response cytokine secreted by a wide variety of cell types in response to a broad range of stressors. Circulating GDF15 levels are elevated in a range of medical conditions characterized by cachexia and malaise. In recent years, GDF15 has gained scientific and translational prominence with the discovery that its receptor, GDNF family receptor α‐like (GFRAL), is expressed exclusively in the hindbrain. GFRAL activation may results in profound anorexia and body weight loss, effects which have attracted interest for the pharmacological treatment of obesity.PurposeThis review highlights compelling emerging evidence indicating that GDF15 causes anorexia through the induction of nausea, emesis, and food aversions, which encourage a perspective on GDF15 system function in physiology and behavior beyond homeostatic energy regulation contexts. This highlights the potential role of GDF15 in the central mediation of nausea and emesis following a variety of physiological, and pathophysiological conditions such as chemotherapy‐induced emesis, hyperemesis gravidarum, and cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Mortality Convergence in Europe? Spatial Differences in Life Expectancy Gains Between 1995 and 2019
Authors: Sauerberg Markus , Bonnet Florian , Camarda Carlo Giovanni , Grigoriev Pavel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe conventional approach to gauging mortality convergence in Europe relies on life expectancy estimates () at the national level. However, mortality can differ within countries significantly. To better apprehend whether Europe's mortality patterns have been converging or diverging over recent decades, we must shift our focus to regional mortality data. Using data from statistical offices, we present annual estimates for 420 regions in 16 EU countries from 1995 to 2019. In our empirical analysis, we examined whether regions with initially high mortality levels caught up with low‐mortality regions, and we investigated changes in the standard deviation of Europe's regional distribution over time. Indeed, mortality variation has generally decreased from 1995 to 2019 due to larger gains in for regions with initially high mortality levels. The convergence phase took place mostly during the first half of the entire time period analyzed. Over more recent periods, however, we observe more heterogeneity in the development of . Some advantaged regions realized further gains in , even as improvements slowed for more disadvantaged regions. In conclusion, our analysis underscores the importance of addressing widening health inequalities. Policies should target disadvantaged regions to retard mortality divergence across Europe.
Local versus regional patterns in zoospore dispersal of the kelp Eisenia bicyclis (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Aoki Tomoya , Mitsuyuki Chika , Suyama Yoshihisa , Agatsuma Yukio , Aoki Masakazu N. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryIt is generally accepted that kelp populations have a metapopulation structure. Most zoospores settle near to their parent individual, and infrequent but long‐distance dispersal of zoospores contributes to gene flow between local populations. Population genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by MIG‐seq (i.e. multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeats genotyping by sequencing) was performed on the dominant kelp, Eisenia bicyclis, in two areas: Kitsunezaki (a sheltered area) and Shimoda (an exposed site). Regional scale analysis of genetic structure was conducted at six sites in Kitsunezaki and three sites in Shimoda. When viewed on a regional scale based on the inbreeding coefficient within the local population, the inbreeding ratio was higher in Shimoda than in Kitsunezaki, probably as a result of the limited vertical zonal distribution in the exposed environment. Vertically wide distribution in the sheltered environment apparently enabled frequent crossing among individuals in Kitsunezaki. By contrast, when viewed on a local scale based on the pairwise kinship coefficient (FST) between populations, gene flow among local populations in Shimoda occurred over a wide area, but was limited in Kitsunezaki. In Shimoda, genetic exchange between local populations, even if inbreeding is locally active, is likely to support metapopulation maintenance and rapid recovery of local populations. In Kitsunezaki, however, genetic exchange among local populations is limited within few 100 m, and the metapopulation structure will decline in the long term because of inbreeding depression. Local dispersal distance of zoospores was investigated based on parent–offspring analysis in the Kitsunezaki population, which revealed that zoospores mainly settled within 5 m of their parent. However, some zoospores traveled over 27 m within the 4 × 30 m study area. The present study shows the importance of examination at different spatial scales when investigating zoospore dispersal of laminarialean kelps.
Resist and recover: Introducing a spring theory for modeling disaster resilience
Authors: Weiss Robert , Zobel Christopher W. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a new approach for quantitatively modeling the resilience of a system that has been disrupted by a sudden‐impact event. It introduces a new theoretical model that explicitly incorporates representations of the enabling and inhibiting forces that are inherent within postdisruption recovery behavior. Based on a new, more comprehensive measure of resilience that is able to capture both negative and positive deviations in performance, a generic mass–spring system is then used to illustrate the applicability of the theoretical model. The interplay between the enabling and inhibiting forces that is revealed by the new model provides a new theoretical basis for understanding the complexity of resilience and disaster recovery. With the addition of the new resilience measure, it lends support for defining and characterizing a new type of resilient behavior: unstable resilience.
Informality, foreign ownership and bribery in developing countries
Authors: Ribeiro Erica Aparecida , Fraga Gilberto Joaquim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have evaluated the characteristics of enterprises; however, the understanding of the effects of foreign capital and competition with the informal sector on the occurrence of bribery is limited. Competition with the informal sector is related to fundamental characteristics of the involved countries, such as low development levels, which, in turn, is connected to high levels of corruption. There is no consensus concerning the impact of foreign capital on corruption. Using a multilevel logit, we estimate the likelihood of bribery among firms in 88 emerging countries. This study finds that competition with informal enterprises is associated with an increased likelihood of bribery occurrence; however, there is no difference between foreign and domestic corporations in terms of corrupt behavior. We split the countries into six regions. Competition with the informal sector presents a positive effect on the firms' likelihood to bribe in five of these six regions. Foreign capital is statistically nonsignificant in all regions, while a significant difference is found across the regions related to the effects of improvement in bureaucratic quality, income, and national political stability. The study indicates that homogenous anti‐corruption policies are not very effective.