bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E‐government and citizen‐state relations: Evidence from a randomized information campaign with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service
Authors: Ziaja Sebastian , Geray Markus , Sebudubudu David , von Schiller Armin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractE‐government services are often heralded as a silver bullet for governments willing to engage more meaningfully with citizens. Evidence on the effectiveness of these measures for improving citizen‐state relations is scarce, however. Most studies examining e‐government focus on efficiency considerations; few consider potential effects on citizen‐state relations. The present study analyses the effect of an information treatment about the availability of e‐government services on citizen perceptions of government responsiveness. We conducted an experiment in cooperation with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service that randomly assigned registered taxpayers to receive a short message on their mobile phones. Our results indicate that the treatment has a significant, positive effect on the perception that the government addresses citizen needs, and more so for respondents with lower income. The findings suggest that, by affecting how citizens assess political realities, e‐government can play an important role in shaping citizen‐state relations.
Everyday activism and “actionable” hope as tempered radicals
Authors: O’Shea Michelle , Paraschak Victoria , Pearce Sonya , Maxwell Hazel , Pullen Alison 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper takes its departure from Rebecca Solnit's idea that there should be “hope in darkness” as we work towards a shared preferred future that resists gendered and racial inequities and oppressions. We put forward “actionable” hope which embodies hope as an everyday action, an activism enacted by “tempered radicals” (Meyerson & Scully, 1995). This thinking about the relationship between hope and activism emerged through our coming together and was bound by our learning and privileging of Indigenous knowledges and a strengths and hope perspective. The paper is presented in the form and style of polyphonic writing conveying the openness and generosity of spirit that the strengths and hope perspective carries for tempered radicals. Our “insider” and “outsider” positionings unfold as we engage in unsettling discussions of “privilege.” Our practices give recognition to being sensitive to issues of belonging, care, and collective hope, while working towards transformative social change that addresses systemic inequalities. Belonging is seen as essential for collective everyday activism which requires affective actional hope for realizing shared preferred futures.
Functions of idioms in English as lingua franca: An appraisal system account
Authors: Allami Hamid , Karlsson Monica , Shahroosvand Hamid Reza 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIdiomatic expressions are not just neutral equivalents of their literal counterparts, but exert some sort of evaluative force. This study employed the appraisal system (AS) to explore the functions of idiomatic expressions and their variations in English as a lingua franca context, and to compare different academic domains in terms of use of evaluative language in the form of idiomatic expressions. To this end, the corpus of English as a lingua franca in academic settings and the Vienna–Oxford International Corpus of English were searched for idiom tokens through whole‐phrase and keyword search. The idioms and their variations were classified based on the AS. The findings indicated that social and behavioral scientific texts included higher proportions of evaluative idiomatic expressions whereas medical and natural scientific texts generated lower percentages of appraisal idioms. There was a stronger tendency in both corpora toward using idioms as appreciation as compared to judgment and affect. Given the employed methodology, the AS could not be applied to some idioms for their compositionality nature.
The development of phrase‐frames in EFL learners’ essays: Variability, structures, and functions
Authors: Yan Jianwei , Li Qidi , Jiang Jingyang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhrase‐frames (i.e., p‐frames) are a type of discontinuous formulaic language that have long been of interest to linguists in L2 writing research. Studies have explored p‐frames in different types of texts, but few have investigated p‐frames in learners’ essays, and it remains unclear at which level learners will begin to use p‐frames in native‐like ways. Drawing on a self‐compiled corpus of 1061 learner essays, this study explores the four‐word p‐frames used by Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners across four proficiency groups (pre‐B1, B1, B2, C1&C2) and analyzes the p‐frames regarding their variability, structures, and functions. The study also compares the p‐frames used by learners with those used by L1 English‐speaking students in terms of the three characteristics mentioned above. The results show that: (1) learners at more advanced proficiency levels use more varied p‐frames and more function word frames; (2) when learners have achieved C1&C2 levels they can use p‐frames in similar ways to L1 English‐speaking students regarding variability and structure; and (3) pre‐B1 learners are less skilled in using referential and discourse organizing expressions, probably due to a lower capability in the use of function word structures and cohesive devices. The findings help to advance our understanding of p‐frame development across proficiency levels, and offer some pedagogical implications for the teaching and learning of formulaic language.
Subcutaneous granuloma annulare: a systematic review of a rare and underdiagnosed disease
Authors: Lapidus Adam H. , Lee Sangho , Khandewal Tanishq , Liu Zhao Feng , Ip Ken Hiu‐Kan , Lin Lawrence , Chew Christopher Y. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSubcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a rare clinicopathologic subtype of granuloma annulare characterized by the presence of subcutaneous nodules. There are no present reviews synthesizing the clinical features and treatment modalities in SGA. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines [CRD42022344672] on all peer‐reviewed English‐language studies that reported one or more cases of SGA. A total of 97 studies, comprising 26 case series and 71 case reports with 324 patients, were included for analysis. Most cases were predominantly pediatric, with 78.9% of the cases identified being age 16 or lower and a median age of diagnosis of 6. There was no overall gender predisposition. Although over two‐thirds of patients did not have any comorbidities, diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity present in 4% of cases. The most common feature of SGA was nodules, which were present in 99.6% of patients. Pain or tenderness was reported in 15.4%, and erythema of overlying skin in 11.0% of cases. Surgical excision was performed in 96/141 (68.1%) patients. Among the 27/141 (18.0%) patients who were conservatively managed, 87.0% spontaneously improved, including 60.0% who completely self‐resolved. Topical and intralesional steroids were used in 3.40% and 1.85% of patients, respectively, resulting in complete or partial resolution in 54.6% and 100%. Among patients who were followed up, 83/324 (25.6%) patients experienced recurrence after a median duration of 26 weeks. SGA is predominantly a pediatric disease that frequently occurs on the limbs and the head. Juxta‐articular lesions are more commonly observed in adults than in children. Surgical excision is common and effective in most patients. Spontaneous improvement occurs in most untreated cases, and intralesional steroids but not topical steroids may be beneficial for non‐resolving cases and to reduce time to resolution.
Diabetic striatopathy: Hyperglycemic chorea/ballism successfully treated with L‐dopa
Authors: Tsukaguchi Ryo , Hasebe Masashi , Shibue Kimitaka , Hamasaki Akihiro 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTDiabetic striatopathy, a rare hyperglycemia complication, is characterized by chorea/ballism and striatal anomalies on neuroimaging, usually managed with glycemic control and haloperidol. However, practical strategies for haloperidol‐resistant cases are scarce. We describe a 76‐year‐old Japanese woman with diabetic striatopathy who initially presented with polydipsia, polyuria, and lower‐extremity weakness. Despite pronounced hyperglycemia (725 mg/dL), her blood glucose levels were reduced through saline infusion and intravenous insulin. Subsequently, she developed whole‐body ballism concomitant with striatal hyperintensity on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, which initially responded to haloperidol. Upon discontinuation of haloperidol, her symptoms relapsed and did not improve with the reintroduction of haloperidol. Dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography revealed diminished bilateral striatal uptake, suggesting presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction. This finding prompted the initiation of L‐dopa, which significantly improved her symptoms. This case underlines the need to consider presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction in diabetic striatopathy patients unresponsive to standard treatments, highlighting the effectiveness of L‐dopa in such scenarios.
Persistence of advanced systemic pharmacological treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis among bio‐naïve patients—A retrospective register‐based cohort study in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Tskhvarashvili G. , Aher K. , Sveide I. , Katus U. , Westerlund A. , Hoti F. , Wennerström C. , Hassan F. , Lee J. , Hermanrud C. , Johnsson I. , Passey A. , Nissinen R. , Polesie S. , Mälkönen T. , Saarelainen L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPlaque psoriasis (PsO) requires long‐term treatment for symptom control and remission; thus, a long‐term pharmacological intervention is necessary. Treatment persistence reflects long‐term therapeutic effectiveness and tolerance.ObjectivesThis study investigates drug persistence and compares treatment discontinuation rates across biologic agents and apremilast used by PsO patients in Finland and Sweden.MethodsThis retrospective register‐based cohort study included bio‐naïve patients (≥18 years) with moderate‐to‐severe PsO, who initiated treatment with abatacept, adalimumab, brodalumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, tildrakizumab, ustekinumab or apremilast during 2008–2020 in Finland or Sweden. The main analysis evaluated persistence (based on duration of continuous treatment) and compared rates of treatment discontinuation using guselkumab as reference drug, during 2018–2020 in Finland. Treatment discontinuation was assessed by survival analysis of the time to first drug discontinuation, including switching to other study drugs. Due to limited sample size (n < 20), certain biologics (abatacept, brodalumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, risankizumab and tildrakizumab) were excluded from the persistence analysis.ResultsIn Finland, 709 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria during 2018–2020 for the main analysis. The highest persistence was observed for guselkumab and ustekinumab with 90 and 85% of treated patients, respectively, continuing treatment for ≥1 year. Comparable results were observed in the expanded cohort analysis (index starting in 2008; 2745 bio‐naïve patients in Finland and 10,970 in Sweden). Furthermore, patients treated with guselkumab in Finland showed lower treatment discontinuation rates compared to other study drugs.ConclusionGuselkumab and ustekinumab demonstrated high persistence as measured by continued treatment for at least 1 year. Furthermore, these treatments demonstrated lower rates of discontinuation compared to other study drugs included in the analysis. Understanding the balance between efficacy and feasibility in treatment decisions is crucial, as feasibility may impact persistency outcomes and potentially increase persistency rates.
Influential factors of adherence to inhalation drug therapy in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zheng Li , Sun Haiyan , Chen Qi , Xie Xin , Jin Hong , Ding Ye 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the influential factors of adherence to inhalation drug therapy (IDT) in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsA total of 243 patients with stable COPD who visited the chronic disease clinic of the respiratory department of our hospital between April 2022 and October 2022 were selected as participants using the convenience sampling method. Relevant information about all participants was collected by questionnaire for investigation, including basic information, clinical characteristics, inhaled drug names, situational awareness, dose and frequency.ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed positive correlations between the following factors: (1) the total score of drug adherence and the total scores of the COPD knowledge questionnaire (COPD‐Q), social support, subjective support, objective support and support utilisation, (2) the total score of dosage adherence and the total scores of COPD‐Q, objective support and support utilisation and (3) the total score of technical standardisation and the total scores of social support, subjective support and objective support (p < 0.05). Multifactorial analysis showed that COPD health literacy, number of acute exacerbations in the past year and social support factors collectively accounted for 37.4% of the variable of patient adherence to IDT, as did COPD health literacy, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) grading, duration of COPD, utilisation of support and marital status collectively account for 47.4% of the variable of patient dosage adherence. The goodness‐of‐fit of age, mMRC grading, social support, mode of residence, number of acute exacerbations in the past year and literacy to the patients' inhalation technical standardisation in the model was 47.4%.ConclusionDose adherence was predominantly influenced by COPD health literacy, mMRC grading, duration of COPD, utilisation of support and marital status. Inhalation technical standardisation was substantially limited by age, mMRC grading, social support, mode of residence, number of acute exacerbations in the past year and literacy.
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) rare coloration patterns: a multiomics approach to understand the “panda” phenotype
Authors: Marcoli Roberta , Jones David B. , Massault Cecile , Harrison Paul J. , Cate Holly S. , Jerry Dean R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe barramundi (Lates calcarifer), a significant aquaculture species, typically displays silver to bronze coloration. However, attention is now drawn to rare variants like the “panda” phenotype, characterized by blotch‐like patterns of black (PB) and golden (PG) patches. This phenotype presents an opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying color variations in teleosts. Unlike stable color patterns in many fish, the “panda” variant demonstrates phenotypic plasticity, responding dynamically to unknown cues. We propose a complex interplay of genetic factors and epigenetic modifications, focusing on DNA methylation. Through a multiomics approach, we analyze transcriptomic and methylation patterns between PB and PG patches. Our study reveals differential gene expression related to melanosome trafficking and chromatophore differentiation. Although the specific gene responsible for the PB–PG difference remains elusive, candidate genes like asip1, asip2, mlph, and mreg have been identified. Methylation emerges as a potential contributor to the “panda” phenotype, with changes in gene promoters like hand2 and dynamin possibly influencing coloration. This research lays the groundwork for further exploration into rare barramundi color patterns, enhancing our understanding of color diversity in teleosts. Additionally, it underscores the “panda” phenotype's potential as a model for studying adult skin coloration.
Progression of frailty and cardiovascular outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Gong Yusi , Song Yang , Xu Jiaman , Dong Huaying , Kramer Daniel B. , Orkaby Ariela R. , Dodson John A. , Strom Jordan B. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundFrailty is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes independent of age and comorbidities, yet the independent influence of frailty progression on cardiovascular outcomes remains uncertain.MethodsTo determine whether frailty progression is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, independent of baseline frailty and age, we evaluated all Medicare Fee‐for‐Service beneficiaries ≥65 years at cohort inception with continuous enrollment from 2003 to 2015. Linear mixed effects models, adjusted for baseline frailty and age, were used to estimate change in a validated claims‐based frailty index (CFI) over a 5‐year period. Survival analysis was used to examine frailty progression and risk of adverse health outcomes.ResultsThere were 8.9 million unique patients identified, mean age 77.3 ± 7.2 years, 58.7% female, 10.9% non‐White race. In total, 60% had frailty progression and 40% frailty regression over median follow‐up of 2.4 years. Compared to those with frailty regression, when adjusting for age and baseline CFI, those with frailty progression had a significantly greater risk of incident major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–1.31), all‐cause mortality (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.34–1.34), acute myocardial infarction (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07–1.09), heart failure exacerbation (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.29–1.30), ischemic stroke (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.14–1.15). There was also a graded increase in risk of each outcome with more rapid progression, as well as significantly fewer days alive at home (DAH) with more rapid progression compared to the slowest progression group (270.4 ± 112.3 vs. 308.6 ± 93.0 days, rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.87–0.88, p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn this large, nationwide sample of older Medicare beneficiaries, frailty progression, independent of age and baseline frailty, was associated with fewer DAH and a graded risk of MACCE, all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke compared to those with frailty regression.
Impact of cancer on the mortality of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies by flexible parametric multistate modelling
Authors: Che Weng Ian , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Hellgren Karin , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Westerlind Helga , Baecklund Fredrik , Holmqvist Marie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) have an increased risk of cancer, but their cancer‐related disease burden remains unclear.ObjectivesTo explore how cancer might impact the mortality of patients with IIM and examine the associated prognostic factors for cancer and death.MethodsWe identified patients with IIM diagnosed between 1998 and 2020 and ascertained their cancer and death records via linkage to the Swedish healthcare and population registers. Transition hazards from IIM diagnosis to cancer and death were estimated in multistate models using flexible parametric methods. We then predicted the probability of having cancer or death, and the duration of staying alive at a given time from IIM and cancer diagnoses from a crude model. We also explored prognostic factors for progression to cancer and death in a multivariable model.ResultsOf 1826 IIM patients, 310 (17%) were diagnosed with cancer before and 306 (17%) after IIM diagnosis. In patients diagnosed with cancer after IIM, the 5‐year probability of death from cancer and from other causes was 31% and 18%, respectively, compared to 7% and 15% in patients without cancer after IIM. We reported several factors associated with risk of progression to cancer and death. Specifically, patients with first cancer after IIM who were older at IIM diagnosis, had cancer history, dermatomyositis and a cancer diagnosis within 1 year following IIM faced a greater cancer‐specific mortality.ConclusionWe observed a substantial increase in mortality from cancer, compared to before, rather than other causes after a cancer diagnosis following IIM, suggesting an unmet medical need for effective cancer management in IIM patients. This finding, along with the identified prognostic factors, provides useful insight into future research directions for improving cancer management in IIM patients.
Can treatment with chondroitin and glucosamine sulphate prevent changes in the articular disc caused by temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis?
Authors: Malaguez Giulia Giacomini , Artuzi Felipe Ernesto , Quevedo Alexandre Silva , Puricelli Edela , Ponzoni Deise 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundChondroitin and glucosamine sulphates (CGS) are considered structure‐modifying drugs and have been studied in the prevention, delay or reversal of structural morphological changes in joints caused by osteoarthritis.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the action of CGS on the progression of chemically induced osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rabbits by evaluating the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and collagen in the articular discs.Materials and MethodsA sample of 36 male rabbits was divided into three groups: control (CG), osteoarthritis (OG) and treatment (TG). The disease was induced by intra‐articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (10 mg/mL) in the OG and TG groups bilaterally. After 10 days, the TG animals received subcutaneous injection of chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine (7.5 mg/kg) and the OG and CG received saline solution (50 μL). Euthanasia times were subdivided into 40 and 100 days. Collagen quantification was performed by biochemical and histological analysis and for the quantification of serum levels of TNF‐α, an enzyme immunoassay was used.ResultsThe TG showed an increase in the collagen area of the articular disc when compared to the CG and the OG. The increase collagen concentration in the discs did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. Post‐treatment TNF‐α levels were significantly lower in TG compared to OG.ConclusionsThe results indicate that CGS treatment delayed the degeneration of the collagen in the TMJ articular disc and reduced serum TNF‐α levels, indicating a preventive effect on OA progression.
First report of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing canker and stem blight of blueberries in Morocco
Authors: Goura Khadija , Lahlali Rachid , Baala Mohammed , El Alami Nabila , Kenfaoui Jihane , Belabess Zineb , Tahiri Abdessalem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBlueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has been extensively planted in Morocco due to its nutritional value and economic importance. Botryosphaeria canker or stem blight of blueberry has emerged as one of the most destructive diseases affecting global production of this crop. This disease causes wood symptoms such as necrotic lesions, internal wood discoloration, and stem blight. Similar symptoms were found on blueberry farms in the Northwestern region of Morocco. Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae was isolated from the diseased tissues of blueberry. The identification of the causal agent was confirmed by morphological and molecular characterization through sequence analysis of two loci, the internal transcribed region (ITS) and beta‐tubulin (βtub). The pathogenicity test was performed on blueberry twigs and indicated that L. pseudotheobromae causes damage to blueberry plants. This is the first report of L. pseudotheobromae on blueberry in Morocco.