bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Approximate inferences for Bayesian hierarchical generalised linear regression models
Authors: Berman Brandon , Johnson Wesley O. , Shen Weining 
Published: May 2024

SummaryGeneralised linear mixed regression models are fundamental in statistics. Modelling random effects that are shared by individuals allows for correlation among those individuals. There are many methods and statistical packages available for analysing data using these models. Most require some form of numerical or analytic approximation because the likelihood function generally involves intractable integrals over the latents. The Bayesian approach avoids this issue by iteratively sampling the full conditional distributions for various blocks of parameters and latent random effects. Depending on the choice of the prior, some full conditionals are recognisable while others are not. In this paper we develop a novel normal approximation for the random effects full conditional, establish its asymptotic correctness and evaluate how well it performs. We make the case for hierarchical binomial and Poisson regression models with canonical link functions, for hierarchical gamma regression models with log link and for other cases. We also develop what we term a sufficient reduction (SR) approach to the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm that allows for making inferences about all model parameters by replacing the full conditional for the latent variables with a considerably reduced dimensional function of the latents. We expect that this approximation could be quite useful in situations where there are a very large number of latent effects, which may be occurring in an increasingly ‘Big Data’ world. In the sequel, we compare our methods with INLA, which is a particularly popular method and which has been shown to be excellent in terms of speed and accuracy across a variety of settings. Our methods appear to be comparable to theirs in terms of accuracy, while INLA was faster, for the settings we considered. In addition, we note that our methods and those of others that involve Gibbs sampling trivially handle parameters that are functions of multiple parameters, while INLA approximations do not. Our primary illustration is for a three‐level hierarchical binomial regression model for data on health outcomes for patients who are clustered within physicians who are clustered within particular hospitals or hospital systems.
Promoting plant diversity and habitat heterogeneity through vineyard terracing
Authors: Wersebeckmann Vera , Burstedde Kirsten , Leyer Ilona 
Published: May 2024

AbstractQuestionsViticulture on steep slopes has shaped the landscape and biodiversity in many regions, but insufficient profitability has led to management cessation and shrub encroachment. A solution to maintain economically viable cultivation could be vineyard terracing. We aimed to identify the potential of terracing to enhance plant diversity and habitat heterogeneity in vineyards, analyze effects of management intensity on vineyard vegetation, and assess how plant communities change after vineyard abandonment.LocationWine‐growing region of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in Hesse (50.042342° N, 7.814533° E) and Rhineland‐Palatinate (50.119139° N, 7.719275° E), Germany.MethodsWe recorded vascular plant species and local vineyard parameters in vertically oriented vineyards with vegetated and tilled open inter‐rows, in terraced vineyards with tilled terrace inter‐rows and extensively managed embankments, and in vineyard fallows in a total of 45 study sites. We used plant species richness, Ellenberg indicator values and Grime's strategy types to describe how traits and ecological requirements respond to distinct vineyard management.ResultsPlant species richness and composition were determined by management‐derived disturbance intensities. Extensively managed embankments had a distinct plant community, the highest plant species richness, more perennial and indicator species, and lower nitrogen indicator values compared with inter‐rows. By contrast, highly disturbed open and terrace inter‐rows revealed plant communities associated with annuals and ruderals, but species richness did not differ between terrace inter‐rows and embankments. The plant communities of fallows were completely different with lower plant diversity.ConclusionsOur results highlight the potential of terraced vineyards for plant diversity with nutrient poor, extensively managed embankments providing conditions that have become rare in modern agricultural systems. A long environmental gradient from terrace inter‐rows to embankments created habitat heterogeneity within a narrow space. By contrast, intensive inter‐row management in vertically oriented vineyards hampers high plant diversity and abandonment fosters the spread of woody species at the expanse of plant diversity.
Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy Scale among postpartum women
Authors: Zhong Xiaoying , Barnes Christopher R. , Adamson‐Macedo Elvidina N. , Li Xixi , Guo Xiujing , He Tingting , Li Dehua , Li Zuowei , Wang Bangjun , Wu Hongjin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundMaternal parenting self‐efficacy plays a critical role in facilitating positive parenting practices and successful adaption to motherhood. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy Scale (PMPS‐E), as a task‐specific measure, confirms its psychometric properties in cultural contexts. Compared with other tools, the advantages of the PMPS‐E are as follows: (i) specific context or time period during the lifespan of a child, (ii) explicitly assess parenting self‐efficacy across a diverse enough range of parenting tasks or activities during the perinatal/postnatal period and (iii) having robust psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to translate and determine the psychometric properties of the PMPS‐E among Chinese postpartum women (C‐PMPS‐E).MethodThe cross‐cultural adaptation process followed Beaton et al.'s intercultural debugging guidelines. A total of 471 women were included to establish the psychometric properties of the C‐PMPS‐E. Mothers were asked to complete the C‐PMPS‐E, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) and several demographic questions. The psychometric testing of the C‐PMPS‐E was established through item analysis, construct validity and internal consistency reliability.ResultsItem analysis showed that the critical ratios of all items were greater than 3 between the low‐score group and high‐score group, and all item–total correlation coefficients were greater than 0.4. The fit indices showed that the original correlated four‐factor model of C‐PMPS‐E was observed to be an excellent fit to the data. The PMPS‐E was negatively correlated with the EPDS and GAD‐7 demonstrating its discriminant validity. As expected, no significant correlation was found between PMPS‐E total or subscale scores and mothers' age. In addition, statistically significant differences for parity were detected for C‐PMPS‐E total and subscale scores with multipara having higher scores. This was taken as further evidence of the scale known‐groups discriminant validity. In terms of internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha of the C‐PMPS‐E total scale was 0.950, and subscales ranged from 0.76 to 0.89. Furthermore, a ROC curve analysis was conducted to establish the ability of the C‐PMPS‐E to distinguish between symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety. A cut‐off value of 55 was identified that resulted in good specificity and fair sensitivity.ConclusionThe C‐PMPS‐E is a reliable and valid tool to assess maternal parenting self‐efficacy in a Chinese context.
Using preoperative C‐reactive protein levels to predict anastomotic leaks and other complications after elective colorectal surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McKechnie Tyler , Cloutier Zacharie , Archer Vicki , Park Lily , Lee Jay , Heimann Luke , Patel Ashaka , Hong Dennis , Eskicioglu Cagla 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimWhile postoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP) is used routinely as an early indicator of anastomotic leak (AL), preoperative CRP remains to be established as a potential predictor of AL for elective colorectal surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to examine the association between preoperative CRP and postoperative complications including AL.MethodMEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched. Studies with reported preoperative CRP values and short‐term surgical outcomes after elective colorectal surgery were included. An inverse variance random effects meta‐analysis was performed for all meta‐analysed outcomes to determine if patients with or without complications and AL differed in their preoperative CRP levels. Risk of bias was assessed with MINORS and certainty of evidence with GRADE.ResultsFrom 1945 citations, 23 studies evaluating 7147 patients were included. Patients experiencing postoperative infective complications had significantly greater preoperative CRP values [eight studies, n = 2421 patients, mean difference (MD) 8.0, 95% CI 3.77–12.23, p < 0.01]. A significant interaction was observed with subgroup analysis based on whether patients were undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (X2 = 8.99, p < 0.01). Preoperative CRP values were not significantly different between patients experiencing and not experiencing AL (seven studies, n = 3317, MD 2.15, 95% CI −2.35 to 6.66, p = 0.35), nor were they different between patients experiencing and not experiencing overall postoperative morbidity (nine studies, n = 2958, MD 4.54, 95% CI −2.55 to 11.62, p = 0.31) after elective colorectal surgery.ConclusionHigher preoperative CRP levels are associated with increased rates of overall infective complications, but not with AL alone or with overall morbidity in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
Frequency of prediabetes in individuals with increased adiposity and metabolically healthy or unhealthy phenotypes
Authors: Cefalo Chiara M. A. , Riccio Alessia , Succurro Elena , Marini Maria Adelaide , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Rubino Mariangela , Perticone Maria , Sciacqua Angela , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsTo utilize the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) index of insulin sensitivity, which is based on readily available clinical variables, namely, waist circumference, hypertension and glycated haemoglobin, to discriminate between metabolically healthy and unhealthy phenotypes, and to determine the prevalence of prediabetic conditions.MethodsNon‐diabetic individuals (n = 2201) were stratified into quartiles of insulin sensitivity based on eGDR index. Individuals in the upper quartiles of eGDR were defined as having metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy overweight (MHOW) or metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) according to their body mass index, while those in the lower quartiles were classified as having metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically unhealthy overweight (MUOW) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), respectively.ResultsThe frequency of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and IFG + IGT status was comparable among the MHNW, MHOW and MHO groups, while it increased from those with MUNW status towards those with MUOW and MUO status. As compared with participants with MHNW, the odds ratio of having IFG, IGT, or IFG + IGT was significantly higher in participants with MUOW and MUO but not in those with MUNW, MHOW and MHO, respectively.ConclusionsA metabolically healthy phenotype is associated with lower frequency of IFG, IGT, and IFG + IGT status across all body weight categories.
Micro‐computed tomography reveals high‐density mineralised protrusions and microstructural lesions in equine stifle joint articular cartilage
Authors: Ducrocq Mathilde , Kamus Louis , Richard Hélène , Beauchamp Guy , Janvier Valentin , Laverty Sheila 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundStifle osteoarthritis (OA) lesions are most common in the medial femorotibial (MFT) compartment. Their characterisation and mapping will inform equine veterinarians towards an accurate diagnosis of OA.ObjectivesInvestigate and map micro‐CT (μCT) changes in the hyaline articular cartilage (HAC) in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP).Study designEx vivo cadaveric.MethodsStifles (n = 7 OA and 17 control [CO]) were retrieved from a tissue bank. The MFC and MFT were imaged with μCT. Regions of interest (ROIs) were cranial (MFCcr; MTPcr) and caudal (MFCca; MTPca) sites. In each ROI, μCT images were scored for HAC fibrillation, surface mineralisation and for the presence of high‐density mineralised protrusions (HDMP). The lesions were mapped, and site‐matched histology was performed.ResultsThe microstructure of healthy and abnormal HAC was discernible on μCT images and confirmed with histology. HAC fibrillation was more prevalent (p = 0.019) in the MFCcr of the OA group (n = 7/7, 100%) when compared with the CO group (n = 7/17, 41%). Score 1 HAC surface mineralisation was more prevalent (p = 0.038) in the OA MFCca (n = 4/7, 57%) when compared with the CO group (n = 2/17, 12%). HDMP were heterogenous and hyperdense mineralised material protruding into the HAC and were more frequent (p = 0.033) in MFCs (n = 12/24, 50%) compared with MTPs (n = 5/24, 20%). Score 3 HDMPs were also more prevalent (p = 0.003) in the MFCcr (n = 7/24, 29%) compared with MFCca (n = 0/24, 0%) and in MFCs (n = 7/24, 29%) compared with MTPs (n = 3/24, 12.5%) (p = 0.046).Main limitationsClinical history was not available for all specimens.ConclusionsEquine HDMP and HAC surface mineralisation are imaged for the first time in the MFT joint. HAC fibrillation and erosion and HDMP are more frequent in the cranial aspect of the MFC. μCT images of OA in equine stifle joints provide a novel perspective of lesions and improve understanding of OA.
Food insecurity and its relationship to mental health and oral health in older adults
Authors: Lee Jane J. , Mancl Lloyd A. , Kim Eunjung , Chi Donald L. 
Published: May 2024

Background and objectivesPoor oral health disproportionately affects low‐income older adults, for whom food insecurity and poor mental health may affect dental health. We explored the associations between food insecurity, mental health, and dental health. Furthermore, we examined whether mental health impacted the associations between food insecurity and dental health.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study with a convenience sample of 226 older adults (aged 50+), employing survey and dental screening data. Participants were recruited from seven community‐based organisations in Washington State, USA. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted Chi‐square tests, t tests, and logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between aspects of dental health (untreated decay, gum disease, and unmet dental needs), mental health (depression and cognitive function), and food insecurity.ResultsIn our sample, food insecurity was observed in 28.4%, 40.6% had untreated decay, 31.6% gum disease, and 42.5% unmet dental needs. Food insecurity was associated with a higher occurrence of untreated decay and unmet dental needs. Participants experiencing food insecurity had higher odds of gum disease (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.2) and unmet dental needs (aOR = 3.2; 95% CI:1.4, 7.6). Greater gum disease due to food insecurity was observed among individuals with lower levels of cognitive impairment.ConclusionFood insecurity is associated with poorer oral health among older adults and cognitive function may modify this relationship. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both food insecurity and cognitive impairment as integral components of efforts to improve the oral health of older adults.
Access to care and impact on HIV treatment interruptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic among people living with HIV in British Columbia
Authors: Finlayson‐Trick Emma , Tam Clara , Wang Lu , Dawydiuk Nicole , Salters Kate , Trigg Jason , Pakhomova Tatiana , Marante Antonio , Sereda Paul , Wesseling Tim , Montaner Julio S. G. , Hogg Robert , Barrios Rolando , Moore David M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has changed healthcare service delivery. We examined the overall impact of COVID‐19 on people living with HIV in British Columbia (BC), Canada, with a special focus on the potential impact of COVID‐19 on antiretroviral treatment interruptions (TIs).MethodsPurposive sampling was used to enrol people living with HIV aged ≥19 years across BC into the STOP HIV/AIDS Program Evaluation study between January 2016 and September 2018. Participants completed surveys at baseline enrolment and 18 and 36 months later. Additional COVID‐19 questions were added to the survey in October 2020. TIs were defined as >60 days late for antiretroviral therapy (ART) refill using data from the BC HIV Drug Treatment Program. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine trends in TIs over time and associations with reported health service access.ResultsOf 581 participants, 6.1%–7.7% experienced a TI during each 6‐month period between March 2019 and August 2021. The frequency of TIs did not statistically increase during the COVID‐19 epidemic. Among the 188 participants who completed the COVID‐19 questionnaire, 32.8% reported difficulty accessing healthcare during COVID‐19, 9.7% reported avoiding continuing a healthcare service due to COVID‐19‐related concerns, and 74.6% reported using virtual healthcare services since March 2020. In multivariable analysis, the odds of a TI in any 6‐month period were not significantly different from March to August 2019. None of the reported challenges to healthcare services were associated with TIs.ConclusionsAlthough some participants reported challenges to accessing services or avoidance of services due to COVID‐19, TIs were not more likely during COVID‐19 than before.
The new system for classification of periodontal and peri‐implant disease: A questionnaire study of implementation by Swedish dental hygienists
Authors: Malmqvist Sebastian , Strandberg Patrik , Victorin Ida , Boberg Emelie , Johannsen Annsofi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo what extent do dental hygienists (DH) employed by the Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) in Sweden use the new classification system, their knowledge of it and their attitudes towards it.MethodsA web‐based questionnaire was distributed to DHs in the PDHS in different regions of Sweden. A total of 197 registered DHs responded. The questions covered their knowledge, attitudes and possible barriers to implementation of the new classification system of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases, and a question about their perceived need for a complementary digital tool to facilitate its implementation.ResultsSeventy per cent of the DHs stated that they used the new classification system. Twenty‐nine per cent of the participants were confident in classifying periodontitis under the new system. Furthermore, 36% of the participants considered their knowledge of the new system to be good and 33% to be poor or non‐existent. Several DHs stated that the new system was too time‐consuming, that it caused stress, that their knowledge was inadequate and that they, therefore, considered it too difficult to use. Eighty per cent of the participants were positive to a digital tool as a complement and support to classify periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.ConclusionThe present study showed that most of the DHs used the new classification system and one‐third considered their knowledge to be good, although it was difficult and time‐consuming. Furthermore, in general, the DHs were positive to a digital tool to facilitate application of the new classification system.
Preface: Special issue: “Ion channels and genetic epilepsy”
Authors: Reid Christopher A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis preface introduces the Journal of Neurochemistry Special Issue on Advances in Epilepsy Research. Epilepsy is a devastating disease characterized by recurrent seizures. Despite the addition of numerous therapeutics over the last few decades epilepsy patients resistant to standard of care treatments remains stubbornly high. This highlights a clear unmet clinical need and the importance of new research into this disease. One major advance over the last two decades has been the recognition that genetic factors play a significant role in the underlying pathogenesis of epilepsy. Much of our insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying genetic epilepsy has come from research into genes that encode ion channels. In this issue, there are up‐to‐date reviews discussing epilepsy caused by variation in HCN channels, voltage‐dependent sodium channels, voltage‐dependent calcium channels, and GABAA receptors. The reviews highlight our understanding of the genotype–phenotype relationships and the identification of precision medicine approaches. Complimenting this is a review on metabolic aspects modulating ion channels in genetic disease. This issue also has fundamental research manuscripts investigating how currently approved drugs may rescue NMDA receptor dysfunction and how in vitro neuron cultures can be used to probe network scale deficits and drug impacts in SCN2A disease. Other primary data manuscripts include those focusing on metabolic therapies, gut microbiota, and new in vivo screening tools for identifying novel anti‐seizure drugs. Collectively, manuscripts published as part of this edition highlight recent research gains, especially in our understanding of genetic causes of epilepsy involving ion channels.
Right versus left temporal lobe semiology in dementia: Lessons from two cases with focal frontotemporal dementia syndromes
Authors: Barbosa Breno José Alencar Pires , Correia Victor Adill Gomes , Albuquerque Pedro Mota de , Barros Amanda Vilma Brito Pires do Rego , Arca Vitor Maia , Araújo Luziany Carvalho 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFocal atrophy of the left anterior temporal lobe has been associated with the semantic type of primary progressive aphasia evolving to semantic dementia. In contrast, focal atrophy of the right temporal lobe has more recently been described as a controverse entity reported as the right temporal variant of FTD. We describe two cases of FTD dementia syndromes: in Case 1, atrophy of the right temporal lobe led to significant behavioural impairment and difficulties in recognizing known people. In Case 2, atrophy of the left temporal lobe was associated with severe aggressive, ritualistic behaviour and aphasia.
Comparing ad valorem and specific taxes with corporate social responsibility
Authors: Hsiao Po‐Yuan , Glen Ueng K. L. , Peng Cheng‐Hau , Kuo Horn‐In 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the welfare ranking of indirect tax systems with corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a duopoly. Findings show that the two firms' cost and CSR asymmetries both play important roles. If the cost‐efficient firm has a higher CSR level, the standard result in traditional tax theory is sustainable. Namely, ad valorem tax (specific subsidy) policies are considered superior to specific tax (ad valorem subsidy) policies. However, if the cost‐inefficient firm has a significantly higher CSR level, the standard result is reversed. This result remains robust in an oligopoly model or under a tax revenue constraint.