bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship of health activation with risk of future cardiovascular disease among rural family caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses
Authors: Lin Chin‐Yen , Chung Misook L. , Wu Jia‐Rong , Smith Jennifer L. , Latimer Abigail , Kang JungHee , Thompson Jessica H. , Rayens Mary Kay , Feltner Frances J. , Biddle Martha J. , Lennie Terry A. , Moser Debra K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundFamily caregivers are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) than non‐caregivers. This risk is worse for those who live in rural compared to urban areas. Health activation, an indicator of engagement in self‐care, is predictive of health outcomes and CVD risk in several populations. However, it is not known whether health activation is associated with CVD risk in rural caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses nor is it clear whether sex moderates any association.ObjectivesOur aims were to determine (1) whether health activation independently predicts 10‐year CVD risk; and (2) whether sex interacts with health activation in the prediction of 10‐year CVD risk among rural family caregivers (N = 247) of patients with chronic illnesses.MethodsHealth activation was measured using the Patient Activation Measure. The predicted 10‐year risk of CVD was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score. Data were analyzed using nonlinear regression analysis.ResultsHigher levels of health activation were significantly associated with decreased risk of developing CVD (p < 0.028). There was no interaction of sex with health activation on future CVD risk. However, male caregivers had greater risk of developing CVD in the next 10 years than female caregivers (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe demonstrated the importance of health activation to future CVD risk in rural family caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses. We also demonstrated that despite the higher risk of future CVD among male, the degree of association between health activation and CVD risk did not differ by sex.
Rituximab is a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients with autoimmune hepatitis: Results from the ColHai registry
Authors: Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Barreira‐Díaz Ana , Esteban Paula , Rota Rosa , Álvarez‐Navascúes Carmen , Pérez‐Medrano Indhira , Mateos Beatriz , Gómez Elena , De‐la‐Cruz Gema , Ferre‐Aracil Carlos , Horta Diana , Díaz‐González Álvaro , Ampuero Javier , Díaz‐Fontenla Fernando , Salcedo Magdalena , Ruiz‐Cobo Juan‐Carlos , Londoño María‐Carlota 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSmall series suggest that rituximab could be effective as treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), although data are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in different cohorts of patients with AIH.MethodsMulticentre retrospective analysis of the 35 patients with AIH and its variant forms treated with rituximab and included in the ColHai registry between 2015 and 2023.ResultsMost patients were female (83%), 10 (29%) had cirrhosis and four (11.4%) variant forms of AIH. Indication for rituximab were as follows: 14(40%) refractory AIH, 19(54%) concomitant autoimmune or haematological disorder, 2(6%) intolerance to prior treatments. In three (9%) subjects with a concomitant disorder, rituximab was the first therapy for AIH. Overall, 31 (89%) patients achieved or maintained complete biochemical response (CBR), including the three in first‐line therapy. No difference in CBR was observed according to rituximab indication (refractory AIH 86% vs. concomitant disorders 90%, p = .824) or cirrhosis (80% vs. 92%, p = .319). Rituximab was associated with a significant reduction in corticosteroids (median dose: prior 20 vs. post 5 mg, p < .001) and the discontinuation of ≥1 immunosuppressant in 47% of patients. Flare‐free rate at 1st, 2nd and 3rd year was 86%, 73% and 62% respectively. Flares were not associated with the development of liver failure and were successfully managed with repeated doses of rituximab and/or increased corticosteroids. Three (9%) patients experienced infusion‐related adverse events (1 anaphylaxis and 2 flu‐like symptoms) and five (14%) infections.ConclusionRituximab is safe and effective in patients with refractory AIH and those treated due to concomitant autoimmune or haematological disorders.
A systematic literature review investigating the association between biodiversity and beaver lodges
Authors: Wilson Jude Banks , Bremner‐Harrison Samantha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The positive relationship between biodiversity and beaver‐modified habitats such as ponds, dams, and canals has been demonstrated; however, the association between biodiversity and beaver lodges is rarely investigated. Due to increasing habitat fragmentation, there is a growing need to identify local biodiversity hotspots.
This systematic review assessed current scientific knowledge concerning the association between beaver lodges and biodiversity. Specifically, the study aimed to 1) investigate the evidence for beaver lodges being local biodiversity hotspots; 2) identify areas of future research centred around the relationship between biodiversity and beaver lodges; and 3) provide recommendations on how to monitor the relationship between biodiversity and beaver lodges within the UK.
Through a stepwise process of database searching and literature sorting, a final dataset of 35 articles emerged, with each article including at least one species, besides beavers, interacting with beaver lodges.
Analysis of the final dataset of articles showed beaver lodges offer multiple uses and fitness benefits for several species in highly seasonal environments, with daily and seasonal visitor variation influenced by intraspecific and interspecific interactions. Beaver lodges were shown to have higher species richness and diversity compared to microhabitats in the surrounding areas, supporting the concept of beaver lodges being local biodiversity hotspots.
We recommend that future studies use videographic methodology to monitor beaver lodges and other treatment groups in the surrounding area. Using the described methodology, beaver management plans should monitor beaver lodges across the northern hemisphere, helping to further understand these important local biodiversity hotspots.
Genomic basis of adaptation to climate and parasite prevalence and the importance of odorant perception in the ant Temnothorax longispinosus
Authors: Macit Maide Nesibe , Collin Erwann , Pfenninger Markus , Foitzik Susanne , Feldmeyer Barbara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA co‐evolutionary arms race ensues when parasites exhibit exploitative behaviour, which prompts adaptations in their hosts, in turn triggering counter‐adaptations by the parasites. To unravel the genomic basis of this coevolution from the host's perspective, we collected ants of the host species Temnothorax longispinosus, parasitized by the social parasite Temnothorax americanus, from 10 populations in the northeastern United States exhibiting varying levels of parasite prevalence and living under different climatic conditions. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with both prevalence and climate. Our investigation highlighted a multitude of candidate SNPs associated with parasite prevalence, particularly in genes responsible for sensory perception of smell including odorant receptor genes. We further focused on population‐specific compositions of cuticular hydrocarbons, a complex trait important for signalling, communication and protection against desiccation. The relative abundances of n‐alkanes were correlated with climate, while there was only a trend between parasite prevalence and the relative abundances of known recognition cues. Furthermore, we identified candidate genes likely involved in the synthesis and recognition of specific hydrocarbons. In addition, we analysed the population‐level gene expression in the antennae, the primary organ for odorant reception, and established a strong correlation with parasite prevalence. Our comprehensive study highlights the intricate genomic patterns forged by the interplay of diverse selection factors and how these are manifested in the expression of various phenotypes.
Leadless pacemaker implementation at the right atrial appendage apex: An initial preclinical assessment
Authors: Lin Yu‐Sheng , Wu Lung‐Sheng , Ho Wan‐Chun , Lai Chao‐Sung , Su Wilber , Chu Pao‐Hsien 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of implanting a leadless pacemaker at the right atrial appendage (RAA) in a preclinical minipig model, aiming to address the limitations of atrial pacing with current leadless devices like the Medtronic Micra, which is typically used for right ventricular implantation.MethodsFour minipigs, each with a median body weight of 45.8 ± 10.0 kg, underwent placement of the Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS) via the right femoral vein into the RAA apex. The pacing performance was assessed over 1‐week (short‐term) and 3‐month (long‐term) periods.OutcomesThe initial findings indicated successful implantation, with satisfactory intrinsic R‐wave amplitudes and pacing threshold. In the following period, the sensitivity, threshold, and impedance were stable with time. Notably, upon explanation at 3 months, a deep myocardial penetration by the device was observed, necessitating a redesign for safe long‐term use in a growing subject's heart.ConclusionWhile initial results suggest that RAA apex placement of the Micra TPS is promising for potential inclusion in a dual‐chamber pacing system, the issue of myocardial penetration highlights the need for device redesign to ensure safety and effectiveness in long‐term applications.
Wake Up Safe in the USA & International Patient Safety
Authors: Iyer Rajeev S. , Dave Nandini , Du Trung , Bong Choon Looi , Siow Yew Nam , Taylor Elsa , Tjia Imelda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPatient safety is the most important aspect of anesthetic care. For both healthcare professionals and patients, the ideal would be no significant morbidity or mortality under anesthesia. Lessons from harm during healthcare can be shared to reduce harm and to increase safety. Many nations and individual institutions have developed robust safety systems to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Large registries that collect rare events, analyze them, and share findings have been developed. The approach, the funding, the included population, support from institutions and government and the methods of each vary. Wake Up Safe (WUS) is a patient safety organization accredited by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Wake Up Safe was established in the United States in 2008 by the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. The initiative aims to gather data on adverse events, analyze these incidents to gain insights, and apply this knowledge to ultimately reduce their occurrence. The purpose of this review is to describe the patient safety approaches in the USA. Through a national patient safety database WUS. Similar approaches either through WUS international or independent safety approaches have been described in Australia‐New Zealand, India, and Singapore. We examine the patient safety processes across the four countries, evaluating their incident review process and the distribution of acquired knowledge. Our focus is on assessing the potential benefits of a WUS collaboration, identifying existing barriers, and determining how such a collaboration would integrate with current incident review databases or systems.
The association between perceived injustice and political trust: Testing a dual‐pathway model through anger and patriotism across four countries
Authors: Moon Chanki , Travaglino Giovanni A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile past research has found an association between perceived political injustice and diminished trust in institutions, the pathways connecting these constructs remain underexplored. In this study, we proposed a sequential indirect‐effect model, from perceived injustice to feelings of disrespect and ultimately lower trust, via the dual pathways of anger against institutions and constructive patriotism. We tested our model using samples from four countries, namely South Korea, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States (NTotal = 2502). Results revealed a simple indirect effect of injustice via perceived personal respect. Additionally, two sequential indirect pathways emerged via anger and constructive patriotism. Specifically, individuals with higher levels of perceived personal injustice were less likely to trust institutions through decreased perceived personal respect. Moreover, perceived personal respect was associated with reduced trust via increased anger and decreased constructive patriotism. While the results were largely consistent across countries, the significance and relative strength of some of the paths exhibited variability. The findings offer insights into the psychological underpinnings of political trust across contexts. Limitations, implications of the results, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Can exports be pain relievers? The effect of exports on workplace safety and health
Authors: Li Ling , Liang Yang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study examines the effect of exports on worker safety and health in the US. We use foreign countries' unilateral liberalization as an instrument to capture the demand shocks on US exports. Our two‐stage estimates with establishment fixed effects suggest that a $1000 increase in exports per worker decreased the workplace injury rate by a significant 0.7%, which implies an annual reduction of about 55,000 injuries among manufacturing workers. The reduction in injuries is more salient among establishments with lower injury rates, indicating an increase of inequality in working conditions. The improvement in working conditions might come from more investment in advanced equipment and better compliance with safety and health regulations.
Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy and safety of the combination of topical phenytoin and microneedling with microneedling alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A controlled blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan Afsaneh , Pashaei Arezoo , Ghassemi Mohammadreza , Dehghani Abbas , Shafiei Mojtaba , Goodarzi Azadeh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionSevere acne breakouts often lead to atrophic acne scars, which affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly affect a person's self‐confidence and self‐image. Given the difficulty in treating atrophic acne scars, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of topical phenytoin in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.MethodThis split face clinical trial on 25 patients between the ages of 18 and 40 involved the application of microneedling on one side of the face, with three sessions taking place over the course of a month. On the other side, a 1% phenytoin cream was administered three times daily for 1 week following the microneedling procedure. Baseline information was collected for all patients, and follow‐up assessments were conducted during the treatment sessions and 2 months after the last session. The assessments included evaluating the number and area of pores and spots, determining scar severity, assessing patient satisfaction, and recording any potential complications.ResultsAmong patients, 20 individuals (80%) were females, and the average age of the participants was 35.96 ± 9.23. In terms of the fine pore area, despite the fine pore count, both groups showed improvement over time (p: 0.03 vs. 0.06). Also, regarding large pore count and area, and the count and area of spots, both groups showed improvement over time (p: 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). On the other hand, when it comes to acne scar grade and patients' satisfaction, the phenytoin group outperformed the control group in all follow‐up sessions and this difference was found to be significant (p: 0.001). It is worth noting that no complications were observed among any of the patients.ConclusionIt appears that combining phenytoin cream with microneedling has a more effective therapeutic outcome in enhancing atrophic acne scars, when compared to microneedling alone, and this method can be regarded as a viable alternative in treating these types of scars.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks as Opportunity for Local Development: The Case of Decentralized Green‐Hydrogen Projects
Authors: Walker Benedikt , Klagge Britta 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEnergy geography has not scrutinized the role of energy infrastructures and market design for decentralized energy production and local development. The paper addresses this research gap by looking at the emerging green‐hydrogen market in Germany. We argue, first, that the capacity and geography of infrastructures and associated bottlenecks determine how supply and demand can be matched at different scales. Second, market design and associated controversies over infrastructure bottlenecks are important for understanding the green‐hydrogen market and its geography and financing. Conceptually, we draw on the geography‐of‐markets literature. Empirically, we show how infrastructure bottlenecks and market design link the green‐hydrogen to the renewable‐electricity market. As long as the market design requires green‐hydrogen production in geographical and temporal correlation with renewable‐electricity generation, the geography of green‐hydrogen production follows the geography of renewable‐electricity generation. Moreover, bottlenecks in transportation infrastructures offer a window of opportunity for decentralized production and local development.
Organ donation and HIV: Awareness and willingness to be a living donor among people with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Nantale Ritah , Kibone Winnie , Awekonimungu Byron , Oyoo Nixson , Okello James , Muzoora Conrad , Hamer Davidson H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundHIV+‐to‐HIV+ organ transplantation has demonstrated promise and is now authorized for research purposes in certain countries. However, organ transplantation is dependent on the availability of organ donors. We assessed the awareness and willingness to donate organs among people with HIV (PWH) in Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter cross‐sectional study between October 2023 and January 2024 in four large HIV clinics in Northern Uganda. The study population consisted of PWH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding awareness, willingness, and beliefs regarding organ donation. Organ donation was defined as the willingness to be a living donor of a solid organ. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess for an association between willingness to donate organs and selected exposures. Data were analyzed in Stata version 15.0. Results are expressed as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsA total of 232 participants were recruited. The mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 42.2±11.8 years. All participants were on antiretroviral therapy. Sixty‐two (26.7%) had a CD4 count less than or equal to 200 cells/mm3. The majority (80.6%, n = 187) had ever heard of organ donation. Slightly more than a third (34.9%, n = 81) were willing to donate organs. Factors associated with willingness to be a living organ donor included being female (AOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.15−2.11), having a tertiary education level (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.03−3.11), average monthly income >500 000 UGX (135.1USD) (AOR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.97−15.40), ever heard about organ donation (AOR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.67−17.8), and attending an organ donation campaign (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.07−3.74).ConclusionsAwareness about organ donation was high but the willingness to be a living organ donor was low among PWH in Uganda. There is a need to sensitize the community about the need and benefits of organ donation with the involvement of media and the healthcare workers.
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Algebraic fibre spaces with strictly nef relative anti‐log canonical divisor
Authors: Liu Jie , Ou Wenhao , Wang Juanyong , Yang Xiaokui , Zhong Guolei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLet be a projective klt pair, and a fibration to a smooth projective variety with strictly nef relative anti‐log canonical divisor . We prove that is a locally trivial fibration with rationally connected fibres, and the base is a canonically polarized hyperbolic manifold. In particular, when is a single point, we establish that is rationally connected. Moreover, when and is strictly nef, we prove that is ample, which confirms the singular version of a conjecture by Campana and Peternell for threefolds.
Underwater Acoustic Non-Reciprocal Manipulation Based on Dynamic-Modulation Structures
Authors: Wen Zhuoqun , Yuan Jinbo , Huang Yu , Zhou Xiaoming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Underwater acoustic non-reciprocal transmission via dynamic-modulation structures with time-varying mass and stiffness is studied. The model system consists of spatiotemporally modulated discrete lattices immersed in the water background. Based on the transfer matrix method, an analytic model for the coupled continuum-discrete system is developed to calculate acoustic scattering responses in the frequency domain. Finite-difference time-domain computation is conducted for the coupled system to verify the theoretical model. Results show that acoustic non-reciprocal transmission in opposite directions appears at frequencies where there are asymmetric bandgaps in dispersion diagrams. Asymmetric transmission can be enhanced in magnitude by engineering the modulating amplitudes of time-varying parameters or increasing the number of lattice elements, while the frequency bandwidth can be broadened by cascading structural elements with different modulating frequencies due to the gap-combining effect. The model may find potential applications in underwater acoustic isolation and sonar communication.
Designing the Geometry of Compact Tension Specimens for Easy Fracture Toughness Measurement Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Lin Yuxia , Shen Yan , Song Hongwei , Yang Jinglei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
For composite laminates, a rising R-curve is observed for their fracture toughness under Mode I stress, which is important for a comprehensive failure analysis of the materials. Since it is laborious to measure the R-curve due to its dependence on both the load and the crack extension, we put forward a novel compact tension specimen by modifying its geometry to eliminate the relation between fracture toughness and crack extension, so as to simplify the experimental process of the R-curve measurement by only recording the load history. Two machine-learning models were developed for the optimum sample design based on the finite element analysis of the effect of sample geometries on the R-curve. A simple neural network model was built for designing tapered specimen and a reinforcement learning model was created for further finding the best design from a broader design space. The results showed that, in contrast to the specimens with a tapered shape, which only ensure the independence between the R-curve and crack extension in the case of a small extension, the design provided by the reinforcement learning provides such independence across a wider range of crack length and an improved accuracy.
Subgenomic flavivirus RNA as key target for live-attenuated vaccine development
Authors: Doets Kristel , Pijlman Gorben P. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines confer long-term protection against disease, but the design of attenuated flaviviruses does not follow a general approach. The non-coding, subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) is produced by all flaviviruses and is an essential factor in viral pathogenesis and transmission. We argue that modulating sfRNA expression is a promising, universal strategy to finetune flavivirus attenuation for developing effective flavivirus vaccines of the future.