bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on physical health amongst children: Difference‐in‐differences analyses of nationwide school health checkup database
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Ishitsuka Kazue , Goto Atsushi 
Published: May 2024

SummaryIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic posed tremendous challenges for children. However, the long‐term effects of the pandemic on various aspects of physical health at a national level remain unclear.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we analysed data from nationwide health checkup records amongst children aged 7–15 years. The dataset comprised 3 544 146 records from 393 794 individuals who graduated from junior high school during fiscal years 2007 to 2022. Difference‐in‐differences (DID) analyses with multiple time periods were used to examine the impact of COVID‐19 on physical health outcomes.ResultsCompared with the pre‐pandemic period, the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with excess increases in obesity for boys and girls, persisting over the 3 years (+0.42%; [95% CI, 0.23–0.61]). Also, it was associated with excess increases in underweight (+0.28% [0.25–0.32]) and poor visual acuity amongst boys in the 3rd year (+1.80% [1.30–2.30]). There were excess reductions in dental caries (−1.48% [−2.01 to −0.95]), glucosuria (−0.55 [−0.88 to −0.23]) and hematuria (−0.43% [−0.73 to −0.13]) during the 3rd year of the pandemic.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on various health indicators for school‐aged children. This information could be valuable for public health policy and paediatric healthcare planning in the post‐pandemic era.
Proteomics screening after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reveals an association between increased expression of inhibitory receptor FCRL6 on γδ T cells and cytomegalovirus reactivation
Authors: Alexandersson Adam , Venäläinen Mikko S , Heikkilä Nelli , Huang Xiaobo , Taskinen Mervi , Huttunen Pasi , Elo Laura L , Koskenvuo Minna , Kekäläinen Eliisa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe studied the associations between inflammation‐related proteins in circulation and complications after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), to reveal proteomic signatures or individual soluble proteins associated with specific complications after HSCT. We used a proteomics method called Proximity Extension Assay to repeatedly measure 180 different proteins together with clinical variables, cellular immune reconstitution and blood viral copy numbers in 27 children (1–18 years of age) during a 2‐year follow‐up after allogenic HSCT. Protein profile analysis was performed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and a regression‐based method, while the Bonferroni‐corrected Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for time point–specific comparison of individual proteins against outcome. At 6 months after allogenic HSCT, we could identify a protein profile pattern associated with occurrence of the complications such as chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, viral infections, relapse and death. When protein markers were analyzed separately, the plasma concentration of the inhibitory and cytotoxic T‐cell surface protein FCRL6 (Fc receptor‐like 6) was higher in patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia [log2‐fold change 1.5 (P = 0.00099), 2.5 (P = 0.00035) and 2.2 (P = 0.045) at time points 6, 12 and 24 months]. Flow cytometry confirmed that FCRL6 expression was higher in innate‐like γδ T cells, indicating that these cells are involved in controlling CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients. In conclusion, the potentially druggable FCRL6 receptor on cytotoxic T cells appears to have a role in controlling CMV viremia after HSCT. Furthermore, our results suggest that system‐level analysis is a useful addition to the studying of single biomarkers in allogenic HSCT.
Gamification improves learning: Experience in a training activity of computer programming in higher education
Authors: Mellado Rafael , Cubillos Claudio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundEffective learning in computer programming courses has been a constant challenge for university teachers and has become a relevant competence for current professionals. The literature on gamification in learning presents mixed results, mainly due to problems in instructional design and inconsistency in gamification. Studies with positive empirical results on computer programming formative activities and showing under what conditions gamification is effective still need to be included.ObjectivesThis study aimed to quantify the effects of gamification techniques in software tools that support computer programming learning applied to data‐structures university students. The study focused on determining whether there are differences in learning when using gamification techniques in online exercising formative activities. The effects of gamification on learning objectives with diverse complexity are studied.MethodsThe study was conducted on computer engineering university students following a pretest‐intervention‐posttest design. They were divided into control and experimental groups, where both used a bank of exercises in Moodle to support learning. The experimental group considered gamification techniques, including points, leaderboards, and badges.Results and ConclusionsGamification techniques significantly outperformed in learning gains in exercising activities without gamification. Regarding learning complexity, increasing taxonomic complexity did not negatively affect gamification learning effects.
Utilizing median and maximum QTc values improves prediction of breakthrough cardiac events in pediatric long QT syndrome
Authors: Rohatgi Ram K. , Tseng Andrew S. , Sugrue Alan M. , Lee Alexander T. , Scott Christopher G. , Wackel Phillip L. , Cannon Bryan C. , Bos J. Martijn , Ackerman Michael J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionAlthough prior studies indicate that a QTc > 500 ms on a single baseline 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with significantly increased risk of arrhythmic events in long QT syndrome (LQTS), less is known about the risk of persistent QT prolongation. We sought to determine QTc persistence and its prognostic effect on breakthrough cardiac events (BCEs) among pediatric patients treated for LQTS.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 433 patients with LQTS evaluated, risk‐stratified, and undergoing active guideline‐based LQTS treatment between 1999 and 2019. BCEs were defined as arrhythmogenic syncope/seizure, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), appropriate VF‐terminating ICD shock, and sudden cardiac death (SCD).ResultsDuring the median follow‐up of 5.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 3–9), 32 (7%) patients experienced a total of 129 BCEs. A maximum QTc threshold of 520 ms and median QTc threshold of 490 ms were determined to be strong predictors for BCEs. A landmark analysis controlling for age, sex, genotype, and symptomatic status demonstrated models utilizing both the median QTc and maximum QTc demonstrated the highest discriminatory value (c‐statistic = 0.93–0.95). Patients in the high‐risk group (median QTc > 490 ms and maximum QTc > 520 ms) had a significantly lower BCE free survival (70%–81%) when compared to patients in both medium‐risk (93%–97%) and low‐risk (98%–99%) groups.ConclusionsThe risk of BCE among patients treated for LQTS increases not only based upon their maximum QTc, but also their median QTc (persistence of QTc prolongation). Patients with a maximum QTc > 520 ms and median QTc > 490 ms over serial 12‐lead ECGs are at the highest risk of BCE while on guideline‐directed medical therapy.
Increasing marine trophic web knowledge through DNA analyses of fish stomach content: a step towards an ecosystem‐based approach to fisheries research
Authors: Canals Oriol , Lanzén Anders , Mendibil Iñaki , Bachiller Eneko , Corrales Xavier , Andonegi Eider , Cotano Unai , Rodríguez‐Ezpeleta Naiara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMultispecies and ecosystem models, which are key for the implementation of ecosystem‐based approaches to fisheries management, require extensive data on the trophic interactions between marine organisms, including changes over time. DNA metabarcoding, by allowing the simultaneous taxonomic identification of the community present in hundreds of samples, could be used for speeding up large‐scale stomach content data collection. Yet, for DNA metabarcoding to be routinely implemented, technical challenges should be addressed, such as the potentially complicated sampling logistics, the detection of a high proportion of predator DNA, and the inability to provide reliable abundance estimations. Here, we present a DNA metabarcoding assay developed to examine the diet of five commercially important fish, which can be feasibly incorporated into routinary samplings. The method is devised to speed up the analysis process by avoiding the stomach dissection and content extraction steps, while preventing the amplification of predator DNA by using blocking primers. Tested in mock samples and in real stomach samples, the method has proven effective and shows great effectiveness discerning diet variations due to predator ecology or prey availability. Additionally, by applying our protocol to mackerel stomachs previously analyzed by visual inspection, we showcase how DNA metabarcoding could complement visually based data by detecting overlooked prey by the visual approach. We finally discuss how DNA metabarcoding‐based data can contribute to trophic data collection. Our work reinforces the potential of DNA metabarcoding for the study and monitoring of fish trophic interactions and provides a basis for its incorporation into routine monitoring programs, which will be critical for the implementation of ecosystem‐based approaches to fisheries management.
Effects of handling and surgical implant on juvenile wild trout: Physiological and behavioral impact
Authors: Makaras Tomas , Stankevičiūtė Milda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFish involved in telemetry studies are usually handled, anaesthetized, and subjected to internal tag implantation, all of which have the potential to disrupt the fish's physiology, migratory patterns, food‐seeking behavior, growth, and survival. As fish tagging is a widespread standard method in aquaculture, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the short‐ and long‐term effects on various aspects of fish welfare. The experimental outcomes of each phase of the surgical process and how it affects the fish's ability to recover during the post‐tagging period, particularly in small salmonids, are poorly understood. Thus, it is essential to measure the extent of these adverse effects to precisely extrapolate differences in surgical intervention for tagged fish compared to their unmanipulated counterparts. In our study, we explored the post‐tagging impacts on wild‐captured brown trout (Salmo trutta) (1+) juveniles. We examined the time effect on fish recovery after each phase of the surgical procedure, which included anaesthetized fish, followed by surgery with/without internal tagging, within the first 2 and 25 h post‐surgery. Common blood parameters (glucose levels and haematocrit) and endpoints related to swimming behavior, including fish movement, direction, and social distancing aspects, were studied. The findings of the study indicated no significant changes in glucose and haematocrit levels over the observational period. Fish subjected to anesthesia and tagging procedures exhibited a significant decrease in swimming activity, recovering to baseline levels 1 h after anesthesia and 24 h after surgical (tagging) procedures in recirculating aquaculture systems. Tagged fish showed less social proximity than non‐tagged fish in the first 2 h post‐surgery. A significant effect size was observed between nonsurgical (anesthesia) and surgical (non‐tagged/tagged) groups, highlighting a more pronounced impact associated with surgical tag interventions. Our data indicate that the magnitude of behavioral response was significantly influenced by tag weight (~1.4% body/tag weight ratio in water) among manipulated fish groups. Consequently, our study reveals that wild‐captured S. trutta juveniles, tagged with commercially available low‐weight acoustic tags (V6, 69 kHz), experienced negative effects on swimming performance. In surgical studies, acknowledging potential influences is crucial for accurately inferring fish physiological and behavioral status. Emphasizing fish recovery potential in both short‐ and long‐term periods is essential for quantifying tagging effects. Future research should prioritize exploring alternative tagging technologies and refining methodologies, with a particular focus on assessing telemetry's impact on socioeconomically relevant small salmonids.
Emergency department visits and hospital readmissions after a deprescribing intervention among hospitalized older adults
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Hollingsworth Emily Kay , Shah Avantika Saraf , Szanton Sarah L. , Perrin Nancy , Mixon Amanda S. , Vasilevskis Eduard Eric , Boyd Cynthia M. , Han Hae‐Ra , Green Ariel R. , Taylor Janiece L. , Simmons Sandra Faye 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundDeprescribing is the planned/supervised method of dose reduction or cessation of medications that might be harmful, or no longer be beneficial. Though benefits of deprescribing are debatable in improving clinical outcomes, it has been associated with decreased number of potentially inappropriate medications, which may potentially reduce the risk of adverse events among hospitalized older adults. With unclear evidence for deprescribing in this population, this study aimed to examine time‐to‐first unplanned healthcare utilization, which included 90‐day emergency department (ED) visits or hospital readmission and associated predictors, during a deprescribing intervention.MethodsA secondary data analysis of a clinical trial (Shed‐MEDS NCT02979353) was performed. Cox regression was used to compare the time‐to‐first 90‐day ED visit/readmission/death from hospital discharge for the intervention and control groups. Additionally, we performed exploratory analysis of predictors (comorbidities, functional health status, drug burden index (DBI), hospital length of stay, health literacy, food insecurity, and financial burden) associated with the time‐to‐first 90‐day ED visit/readmission/death.ResultsThe hazard of first 90‐day ED visits/readmissions/death was 15% lower in the intervention versus the control group (95% CI: 0.61–1.19, p = 0.352, respectively); however, this difference was not statistically significant. For every additional number of comorbidities (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21) and each additional day of hospital length of stay (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07) were significantly associated with a higher hazard of 90‐day ED visit/readmission/death in the intervention group; whereas for each unit of increase in pre‐hospital DBI score (HR: 1.08 and HR 1.16, respectively) was significantly associated with a higher hazard of 90‐day ED visit/readmission/death in the control group.ConclusionsThe intervention and control groups had comparable time‐to‐first 90‐day ED visit/readmission/death during a deprescribing intervention. This finding suggests that deprescribing did not result in a higher risk of ED visit/readmission/death during the 90‐day period following hospital discharge.
Self‐care ability and associated factors in community‐dwelling older adults living with oral frailty using the COM‐B model
Authors: Liu Dun , Gao Yufang , Su Xin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐care can improve overall oral health. However, few studies have investigated this in community‐dwelling older adults with oral frailty. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM‐B) model may be an appropriate framework to identify factors that affect self‐care ability.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of and factors influencing self‐care ability in community‐dwelling older adults living with oral frailty, and to analyse the risk factors of low self‐care ability.MethodsTwo hundred seventy‐five community‐dwelling older adults with oral frailty participated in this cross‐sectional study from October 2022 to March 2023. Participants underwent evaluations of oral health knowledge and behaviour, oral health literacy, nutritional condition, social support, oral health‐related quality of life, self‐efficacy and self‐care ability using questionnaires. The self‐care ability of older adults was assessed using the Chinese version of self‐care ability scale for the elderly (SASE). The influencing factors were evaluated by single‐factor analysis, correlation analysis and multi‐factor analysis. Furthermore, we conducted additional analysis, wherein self‐care ability was analysed as a categorical variable.ResultsOf the participants, the SASE score was 62.43 ± 7.33, and 73.09% were inadequate at self‐care ability. There was a positive correlation between the level of self‐care ability and each variable (p < .001). Multiple linear regression showed that health literacy (p < .001), age (p < .001), nutritional condition (p = .001), gender (p = .003), quality of life (p = .014) and self‐efficacy (p = .040) were significantly associated with decreased self‐care ability (R2 = 0.444, F = 19.241). Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that gender, educational level, nutritional condition, oral health literacy and quality of life (all P<0.05) were risk factors for developing low levels of self‐care ability.ConclusionThis study suggests that health literacy, age, nutritional condition, quality of life, gender and self‐efficacy are important factors that influence self‐care ability in community‐dwelling older adults living with oral frailty.
Genetic influence on treatment outcomes in patients with pain‐related temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Zlendić Marko , Vrbanović Ema , Trošelj Koraljka Gall , Tomljanović Marko , Đerfi Kristina Vuković , Alajbeg Iva Z. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence pain susceptibility and impact treatment response in pain‐related temporomandibular disorders (TMDp).ObjectiveExplore the role of COMT (rs4646310, rs6269, rs4818, rs4680) and OPRM1 (rs1799971) genotypes in regulating treatment response.MethodsSixty TMDp patients (55 females and 5 males), diagnosed with the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD), underwent standardised treatment (information and education, home physical therapy, occlusal splint) for 6 months. Treatment outcomes included: pain intensity, pain‐free mouth opening, jaw functional limitation, depression, and anxiety. Genotyping for COMT and OPRM1 SNPs was performed using DNA from buccal mucosa swabs and TaqMan assays. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the changes in treatment outcomes and the influence of genotypes on treatment response.ResultsSignificantly less pain reduction was observed in minor allele carriers of rs4646310, and rs4680 compared to dominant homozygous (p < .025). Minor allele carriers of rs1799971 and rs4646310 demonstrated worsening in pain‐free mouth opening while dominant homozygous exhibited improvement (p < .025). Significantly less anxiety reduction was observed in minor allele carriers of rs4646310 compared to dominant homozygous (p = .003).Of the all variables assessed in the regression model, carrying a minor allele of rs1799971 predicted a poorer treatment response considering pain‐free mouth opening while carrying a minor allele of rs4646310 predicted less pain and less anxiety reduction.ConclusionOur findings indicate that certain SNP variants of the COMT and OPRM1 genes were associated with poorer treatment response and may therefore play a significant role in the classification of TMDp patients. Also, assessment of patient genotype could potentially aid in predicting treatment response.
Clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis in English cocker spaniels
Authors: Coddou M. Francisca , Blacklaws Barbara , Watson Penny J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in English cocker spaniels (ECS). It is histologically similar to IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) in humans and is characterized by duct destruction, interlobular fibrosis, and dense periductular and perivenous lymphocytic aggregates. However, the clinical manifestations of CP in ECS have not been previously described.ObjectivesCharacterize the clinical manifestations of CP in a group of ECS, including similarities and differences to IgG4‐RD in humans.AnimalsOne‐hundred four ECS with CP and 44 client owned control ECS without CP (both healthy and diseased controls).MethodsAffected dogs were divided into 2 groups according to the methods used to diagnose CP. Case records were searched for signalment, clinical, and clinicopathological findings, and evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), proteinuria, other immune‐mediated diseases, and anal sacculitis.ResultsInvolvement of other organs was common. Affected ECS presented with a high frequency of KCS (n = 49), proteinuria (n = 47), anal gland disease (n = 36), atopy (n = 21), and other immune‐mediated diseases (n = 16). Those with parti‐color hair coats, particularly blue roan, had a strong association with CP, suggesting a link between coat color and autoimmune conditions in this breed.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEnglish cocker spaniels with CP show clinical similarities to humans with IgG4‐RD and common involvement of other organs. Clinicians should evaluate affected Cocker Spaniels for proteinuria, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other potential immune‐mediated diseases.
The use of ecological niche models improves biogeographic regionalization of the Balsas Depression, Mexico
Authors: Flores‐Tolentino Mayra , Villaseñor José Luis , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo , Rodríguez Rolando Ramírez , Morales‐Linares Jonas , Dorado Óscar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimBiogeographic regionalization classifies zones in terms of their biotas and contributes to understanding the ecological and historical factors that affect the distribution of species. We use Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) to complement missing information on species distribution and thus improve the accuracy of biogeographic boundaries.LocationBalsas Depression Floristic Province, Mexico.MethodsBased on parameters documented in herbarium collections and environmental variables, ENM was carried out to determine the most suitable environmental conditions for a species to thrive (i.e., the species' ecological niche). The ENM and spatial analysis were used to obtain the biogeographic regionalization of the seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) in the Balsas Depression (BD), Mexico, through spatial analysis. Using the Maxent algorithm, we constructed ecological niche models (ENMs) of 134 flowering plant species distributed preferentially in the SDTF (characteristic species), most of them endemic to the BD. Subsequently, we obtained an incidence matrix based on the information from the 134 ENMs, which was used to analyze the turnover of species in Biodiverse software. The turnover matrix was used for Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination and clustering analyses. Finally, the environmental predictors most related to species turnover were identified using the relative environmental turnover method.ResultsThe clustering analysis divided the SDTF in the BD into four floristic districts — two located in its western part and two in the eastern region. The NMDS differentiated, in the first component, two districts in the western region and one in the eastern. Seven environmental variables contributed significantly to explaining the turnover of species in these districts; the most significant were the elevation, pH, and precipitation of the coldest quarter.Main ConclusionsThe use of ENM for the regionalization of areas with high species richness allows for a more detailed classification of subregions and the distribution patterns of the species that define their limits. This provides a more solid theoretical basis for the investigation of biogeographic patterns.