bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prisms of Possibility: Biographically situated insights on the transformative potential of sustainable affordable housing
Authors: Hernández Diana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRooted in my upbringing in the South Bronx and informed by my extensive equity‐focused research on housing, energy, and health, alongside practical experience in small‐scale, place‐based real estate, I advocate for a more nuanced and holistic approach to understanding and achieving “sustainable affordable housing.” By challenging the conventional emphasis on environmental and economic sustainability, I argue that social realities must also take precedence in this endeavor. Drawing from my lived experiences and expertise, I propose viewing housing and neighborhoods through a population lens to drive equitable, intergenerational progress. In this commentary, I present three innovative strategies to harness the transformative potential of sustainable affordable housing. Bold Idea #1 emphasizes community‐based, non‐profit‐led retrofits, maintenance, and property management, while Bold Idea #2 champions legacy housing placements. Bold Idea #3 focuses on promoting moderate income housing and homeownership opportunities. These bold propositions aim to propel sustainable affordable housing beyond its current constraints, positioning it as a true catalyst for positive social change.
Zoonotic bacterial and parasitic intestinal pathogens in foxes, raccoons and other predators from eastern Germany
Authors: Kittl Sonja , Frey Caroline F. , Brodard Isabelle , Scalisi Nadia , Vargas Amado Maria Elena , Thomann Andreas , Schierack Peter , Jores Joerg 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigated faecal specimens from legally hunted and road‐killed red foxes, raccoons, raccoon dogs, badgers and martens in Germany for parasites and selected zoonotic bacteria. We found that Baylisascaris procyonis, a zoonotic parasite of raccoons, had spread to northeastern Germany, an area previously presumed to be free of this parasite. We detected various pathogenic bacterial species from the genera Listeria, Clostridium (including baratii), Yersinia and Salmonella, which were analysed using whole‐genome sequencing. One isolate of Yersinia enterocolitica contained a virulence plasmid. The Salmonella Cholerasuis isolate encoded an aminoglycoside resistance gene and a parC point mutation, conferring resistance to ciprofloxacin. We also found tetracycline resistance genes in Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium baratii. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates were polyclonal, indicating the absence of specific wildlife‐adapted clones. Predators, which scavenge from various sources including human settlements, acquire and spread zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, their role should not be overlooked in the One Health context.
Bridging the evidence‐to‐practice gap: exploring dental professionals' perspectives on managing oral health during pregnancy in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Wilson A , Bridgman H , Bettiol S , Crocombe L , Hoang H 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPoor oral health is associated with adverse health, social and economic consequences for pregnant women. While dental professionals promote good oral health within the dental practice context, more broadly, women in the antenatal period face poor oral health outcomes. Therefore, this study explored dental professionals' perceptions of their role in managing the oral health of pregnant women and identified the barriers and facilitators to improving maternal oral health.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive qualitative method utilizing semi‐structured interviews. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 13 dental professionals from Tasmania, Australia, comprising dentists (n = 10), oral health therapists (n = 2) and dental therapist (n = 1). Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThree major themes were constructed from the interviews: (1) dental professionals' oral health care of women during pregnancy; (2) perceived challenges to maternal oral health; and (3) proposed strategies to improve maternal oral health.ConclusionsFindings suggest dental professionals' competence in maternal oral health, but that several barriers, such as dental care access and maternal factors, hinder oral health outcomes. To address these barriers, oral health policies that support interprofessional collaboration, professional training and evaluation of existing community oral health programmes are needed. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.
Apparent anti‐parasite behaviour in the Norfolk Island green parrot Cyanoramphus cookii
Authors: Olsen Penny , Dempsey‐Wood Alex , Tavener Neil , Tavener Judy , Ortiz‐Catedral Luis 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBirds must cope with all manner of ectoparasites, from insects and mites to bacteria and fungi. During their grooming routine, several Norfolk Island green parrots Cyanoramphus cookii were observed and photographed, and a pair was videoed, biting off and chewing small pieces of lateral shoot and bark of pepper trees Piper excelsum and working the chewed material through their feathers. They also stripped the leaves and rubbed their beaks along the branches before extracting preen oil. Pepper trees are a well‐known source of piperine and other potent aromatic chemicals that are insect repellent and antimicrobial. This appears to be a rare example of a bird using plant material to anoint themselves, which we interpret as a way to repel blood‐sucking insects and ectoparasites and, possibly, void endoparasites, thereby improving fitness.
Comprehensive Asset Pricing Tests in the Korean Stock Market
Authors: Bae Jaewan , Kang Jangkoo , Park Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe examine the empirical performance in the Korean stock market of three new asset pricing factor models: the Stambaugh–Yuan (2017) mispricing factor model, the Daniel et al. (2020) three‐factor model, Barillas‐Shanken (2018) six‐factor model and the Hou et al. (2021) q5‐factor model. We find that all factors in these factor models have significantly positive risk premiums and are not explained by the Fama–French six‐factor model. Compared to other prevalent models, the q5 model shows the highest maximum Sharpe ratio, mainly due to its profitability and expected growth factors. Further, the q5 model exhibits superior performance in explaining the returns of 97 anomaly portfolios in the Korean market.
Has the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in more advanced breast cancer? A hospital‐based retrospective study
Authors: Howdle Gemma , Stephanou Adam , Barrett Jordan , Roushdy Suzannah , Ngui Nicholas , Hughes Michael , Marx Gavin , Boyages John 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe suspension of breast cancer screening during the COVID‐19 pandemic altered patient diagnosis and management. This study investigates the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdowns, screening delays and reduced healthcare attendance on changes in tumour and treatment characteristics, particularly for biologically more aggressive breast cancers.MethodsThis retrospective single‐hospital analysis utilized data from a prospective cancer database between July 2019 and June 2022. Patient, tumour and treatment factors were compared across pre‐pandemic, pandemic and post‐pandemic groups.ResultsSymptomatic breast cancer increased from 42.3% in the pre‐, 53.1% in the pandemic and 57% in the post‐ respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Compared to the pre‐pandemic group (4.6%), an increase in stages 3 or 4 breast cancers in the pandemic (8.5%) and post‐pandemic (7.1%) was found. Increased node‐positivity in Ki67 > 20%, grade 3 or ER‐ tumours post‐pandemic (+5.4%, +14.8%, +33.4%, respectively) was identified. More neoadjuvant chemotherapy was found in both the pandemic (+4.3%) and post‐pandemic (+11.3%, P = 0.0261) groups. An increase in hypofractionated radiotherapy in the post‐pandemic group (+9.4%) was also identified.ConclusionOur study identified a decrease in early‐stage cancers and an increase in node positivity, particularly for biologically more aggressive tumours. An increase in the number of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or hypofractionated radiotherapy during the pandemic and post‐pandemic periods was also identified.
How calcineurin inhibitors affect cognition
Authors: Thiankhaw Kitti , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siripron C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsWith a focus on the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical findings, this review will gather comprehensive information about the effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) on cognitive function and related brain pathology from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also summarize the potential mechanisms that underlie the pathways related to CNI‐induced cognitive impairment.MethodsWe systematically searched articles in PubMed using keywords ‘calcineurin inhibitor*’ and ‘cognition’ to identify related articles, which the final list pertaining to underlying mechanisms of CNI on cognition.ResultsSeveral studies have reported an association between calcineurin and the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the most common neurocognitive disorder associated with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. CNI, including tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, are commonly prescribed for patients with transplantation of solid organs such as kidney, liver, or heart, those drugs are currently being used as long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. Although preclinical models emphasize the favorable effects of CNI on the restoration of brain pathology due to the impacts of calcineurin on the alleviation of amyloid‐beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation, or rescuing synaptic and mitochondrial functions, treatment‐related neurotoxicity, resulting in cognitive dysfunctions has been observed in clinical settings of patients who received CNI.ConclusionInconsistent results of CNI on cognition from clinical studies have been observed due to impairment of the blood‐brain barrier, neuroinflammation mediated by reactive oxygen species, and alteration in mitochondrial fission, and extended research is required to confirm its promising use in cognitive impairment.
The baggage and the benefits that travel with the F word: Transnational feminism and its discontents
Authors: Savaş Özge , Duncan Lauren E. , Smith Hanna M. , Stewart Abigail J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe examined how locally situated and transnationally circulated meanings of feminism interact forming implicit cultural meanings, and how these meanings about feminism appear in women's accounts of their own work and identifications. Using twenty‐four oral histories, we identified four implicit cultural meanings about feminism: (1) “Mainstream” feminism is/as white and middle‐class; (2) Feminists are lesbians; (3) Feminism is/as hostile to men; and (4) Feminism is/as a “western” ideology. In addition, we identified three strategies activists used to respond to these meanings: (1) distancing themselves from the word “feminist/feminism”; (2) explicitly embracing the term and clarifying its meaning; and (3) shifting from an individual to a structural level of analysis. Examining these discourses in a multinational sample with women of various racial‐ethnic and indigenous identities, we found that implicit cultural meanings often identified in the US or as western interact with locally found meanings affecting activists in the Majority World. Activists’ use of these implicit cultural meanings complicated prevalent, but often simplistic, narratives about feminists, feminism, and identity.
Relationships between parental involvement in homework and learning outcomes among elementary school students: The moderating role of societal collectivism–individualism
Authors: Wang Yiheng , Li Liman Man Wai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundParents are often involved in their child's homework with the goal of improving their child's academic achievement. However, mixed findings were observed for the role of parental involvement in homework in shaping students' learning outcomes.AimsThe present study examined whether and how the effect of parental involvement in homework on students' performance in science and math varies across sociocultural contexts by considering the degrees of societal collectivism–individualism.MethodsThe present study used a large‐scale dataset, consisting of participants from 43 countries/regions, to test whether societal collectivism–individualism would moderate the relationship between three types of parental involvement (asking, helping and checking) in homework and elementary school students' academic performance in math and science.ResultsThe multi‐level analyses revealed diverse effects of different parental involvement behaviours for homework. Helping and checking behaviours were generally negatively associated with elementary school students' academic achievement, but asking behaviours were positively associated with their academic achievement. Importantly, the positive effect of asking behaviours was stronger, while the negative effect of helping behaviours was weaker in collectivistic societies than in individualistic societies.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of parental homework involvement and the sociocultural contexts that vary in collectivism–individualism when evaluating the role of parents in elementary school students' learning in math and science.
WTAP promotes proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via m6A‐dependent epigenetic promoting of PTP4A1
Authors: Zou Jiang , Ma Qiang , Gao Chuanli , Yang Miyuan , Wen Jilin , Xu Lei , Guo Xiaolan , Zhong Xiaowu , Duan Yixiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents a frequently seen malignancy with high prevalence worldwide. Although current studies have shown that Wilms' tumor 1‐associated protein (WTAP), a major part in the methyltransferase complex, is involved in various tumor pathological processes, its specific role in ESCC remains unclear. Therefore, the present work focused on exploring WTAP's function and mechanism in ESCC progression using clinical ESCC specimens, ESCC cells, and mammalian models. Firstly, we proved WTAP was significantly upregulated within ESCC, and WTAP mRNA expression showed a good diagnostic performance for ESCC. Functionally, WTAP positively regulated in‐vivo and in‐vitro ESCC cells' malignant phenotype through the AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, WTAP positively regulated the N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels in ESCC cells. Protein tyrosine phase type IVA member 1 (PTP4A1) was confirmed to be the m6A target of WTAP, and WTAP positively regulated the expression of PTP4A1. Further study revealed that PTP4A1 showed high expression within ESCC. Silencing PTP4A1 inhibited the AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway to suppress ESCC cells' proliferation. Rescue experiments showed that silencing PTP4A1 partially reversed the WTAP‐promoting effect on ESCC cells' proliferation ability. Mechanistically, WTAP regulated PTP4A1 expression to activate the AKT‐mTOR pathway, promoting the proliferation of ESCC cells. Our study demonstrated that WTAP regulates the progression of ESCC through the m6A‐PTP4A1‐AKT‐mTOR signaling axis and that WTAP is a potential target for diagnosing and treating ESCC.
Findings from the 2019 nationally representative oral health survey for adults in Singapore
Authors: Sim Christina P. C. , Lee Yun Hui , Sim Yu Fan , Wong Jennifer , Soh Shean Han , Goh Bee Tin , Poon Choy Yoke , Allen Patrick Finbarr , Chia Kee Seng , Wong Mun Loke 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to present key findings from the 2019 national adult oral health survey in Singapore (NAOHS).MethodsA multi‐stage stratified sampling method was used to recruit participants for a representative national adult oral health survey. A total of 12 212 households were randomly selected from the National Database on Dwellings in Singapore. Within each household eligible persons aged ≥65 years were automatically invited to participate while a Kish selection method was used to invite those between 21 and 64 years old. The survey comprised a face‐to‐face interview questionnaire and a clinical examination which recorded details of tooth loss, DMFT, DMFS and prevalence of periodontal disease according to the CPITN and the US CDC‐AAP classifications. Weighted analysis was performed to adjust for oversampling, non‐response and post‐stratification. Multivariate regression with backward stepwise selection was carried out to identify predictors of chronic periodontal disease and untreated dental caries.ResultsSix hundred and sixty‐three participants completed both the questionnaires and the clinical examination. The prevalence of edentulousness was 2.7%. Of participants, 34.8% presented with untreated dental caries with a higher proportion found in those who were aged ≥60 years, of Malay ethnicity, living in 1–2‐room public housing and who only visited the dentist when there was a problem. Mean DMFS and DMFT indices were 24.7 and 7.9 respectively. Based on the CDC‐AAP classification, the prevalence of moderate–severe chronic periodontitis was 56.9% and increased with age, with a higher proportion in males. Participants with untreated dental caries were more likely to have moderate or severe periodontal disease.ConclusionsSurvey findings showed high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, at 34.8% and 77.6% respectively. A clear socio‐economic gradient in the distribution of tooth loss, untreated dental caries and moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis was observed.
Liothyronine (LT3) prescribing in England: Are cost constraints inhibiting guideline implementation?
Authors: AH Heald , LD Premawardhana , PN Taylor , Depesina Dasha , Chaudhury Nadia , OE Okosieme , M Stedman , CM Dayan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrimary hypothyroidism affects about 3% of the general population in Europe. In most cases people with hypothyroidism are treated with levothyroxine. In the context of the 2023 British Thyroid Association guidance and the 2020 Competitions and Marketing Authority (CMA) ruling, we examined prescribing data for levothyroxine, Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and liothyronine by dose, regarding changes over the years 2016–2022.DesignMonthly primary care prescribing data for each British National Formulary code were analysed for levothyroxine, liothyronine and NDT.Patients and MeasurementsThe rolling 12‐month total/average of cost or prescribing volume was used to identify the moment of change. Results included number of prescriptions, the actual costs, and the cost/prescription/mcg of drug.ResultsLiothyronine: In 2016 94% of the total 74,500 prescriptions were of the 20 mcg dose. In 2020 the percentage prescribed in the 5 mcg and 10 mcg doses started to increase so that by 2022 each reached nearly 27% of total liothyronine prescribing. The average cost/prescription in 2016 of 20 mcg was £404/prescription and this fell by 80% to £101 in 2022; while the 10 mcg cost of £348/prescription fell by only 35% to £255 and the 5 mcg cost of £355/prescription fell by 38% to £242/prescription. The total prescriptions of liothyronine in 2016 were 74,605, falling by 30% up to 2019 when they started to grow again ‐ most recently at 60,990−15% lower than the 2016 figure, with the result that total costs fell by 70% to £9 m/year.ConclusionsLiothyronine costs fell after the CMA ruling but remain orders of magnitude higher than for levothyroxine. The remaining 0.2% of patients with liothyronine treated hypothyroidism are still absorbing 16% of medication costs. The lower liothyronine 5cmg and 10 mcg doses as recommended by BTA are 240% the costs of the 20 mcg dose. Thus, following latest BTA guidance which recommends the lower liothyronine doses still incurs substantial additional costs vs the prescribing liothyronine in the no longer recommended treatment regime. High drug price continues to impact clinical decisions, potentially limiting liothyronine therapy availability to a considerable number of patients who could benefit from this treatment.
Stylize My Wrinkles: Bridging the Gap from Simulation to Reality
Authors: Weiss S. , Stanhope J. , Chandran P. , Zoss G. , Bradley D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractModeling realistic human skin with pores and wrinkles down to the milli‐ and micrometer resolution is a challenging task. Prior work showed that such micro geometry can be efficiently generated through simulation methods, or in specialized cases via 3D scanning of real skin. Simulation methods allow to highly customize the wrinkles on the face, but can lead to a synthetic look. Scanning methods can lead to a more organic look for the micro details, however these methods are only applicable to small skin patches due to the required image resolution. In this work we aim to overcome the gap between synthetic simulation and real skin scanning, by proposing a method that can be applied to large skin regions (e.g. an entire face) with the controllability of simulation and the organic look of real micro details. Our method is based on style transfer at its core, where we use scanned displacement maps of real skin patches as style images and displacement maps from an artist‐friendly simulation method as content images. We build a library of displacement maps as style images by employing a simplified scanning setup that can capture high‐resolution patches of real skin. To create the content component for the style transfer and to facilitate parameter‐tuning for the simulation, we design a library of preset parameter values depicting different skin types, and present a new method to fit the simulation parameters to scanned skin patches. This allows fully‐automatic parameter generation, interpolation and stylization across entire faces. We evaluate our method by generating realistic skin micro details for various subjects of different ages and genders, and demonstrate that our approach achieves a more organic and natural look than simulation alone.
Seeing is believing: The effects of optometrist scope of practice expansion
Authors: Bae Kihwan , Timmons Edward , Nandy Protik 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe examine how the emergence of optometrists as new “eye doctors” affected population eye health outcomes and optometrist earnings in the United States. Using the staggered adoption of optometrist prescription authority across states, we find suggestive evidence that optometrist scope of practice expansion reduced vision impairment and mitigated racial and ethnic disparities in eye health. We also find that the policy is associated with an increase in hourly wages among optometrists who are not self‐employed. These findings imply that allowing optometrists to use medications for eye treatments effectively expanded the primary eye care workforce and therefore improved public eye health.