bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use disparities in rural communities
Authors: Hahn Ellen J. , Bucher Amanda , Rademacher Kathy , Beckett Whitney , Taylor LeeAnn , Darville Audrey , Ickes Melinda J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThis exploratory study described facilitators and barriers to reducing tobacco disparities in 2 small rural communities and identified ways to reduce tobacco use.MethodsThis was a descriptive design using qualitative methods. We created a resource database for 2 rural Kentucky counties, using a Culture of Health Framework. We recruited 16 organizational stakeholders serving low‐socioeconomic populations and conducted focus groups and key informant interviews. We also completed key informant interviews with 7 tobacco users. Lastly, we tailored Community Action Plans for each county based on the data and then solicited feedback from the key stakeholders.FindingsThe 2 counties were similar in population size, but County A had fewer resources than County B, and the stakeholders expressed differences toward tobacco use and quitting. County A stakeholders talked most about the protobacco culture and that tobacco users accept the risks of smoking outweighing the benefits of quitting; they also expressed concerns about youth use and the influences of family, society, and industry. County B stakeholders described ambivalence about the health effects of use and quitting. County A's Action Plan identified an opportunity to build Community Health Worker‐delivered tobacco treatment into a new school‐based health center. County B's Action Plan focused on reaching tobacco users by providing incentives for participation and tailoring messages to different audiences.ConclusionsTobacco control resources and stakeholder perspectives vary in small rural communities, implying a need for tailored approaches. Tobacco users in rural areas are a critical population to target with cessation resources.
Three‐arm clinical trial of improved flour targeting intestinal microbiota (MALINEA)
Authors: Vray Muriel , Tondeur Laura , Hedible Boris G. , Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Manirakiza Alexandre , Lazoumar Ramatoulaye Hamidou , Platen Cassandre Van , Vargas Antonio , Briend André , Jambou Ronan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe main objective of this project was to compare in the field conditions two strategies of re‐nutrition of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) aged from 6 to 24 months, targeting the microbiota in comparison with a standard regimen. A three‐arm, open‐label, pragmatic randomised trial was conducted in four countries (Niger, CAR, Senegal and Madagascar). Children received for 12 weeks either fortified blended flour (FBF control) = arm 1, or FBF + azithromycin (oral suspension of 20 mg/kg/day daily given with a syringe) for the first 3 days at inclusion = arm 2 or mix FBF with inulin/fructo‐oligosaccharides (6 g/day if age ≥12 months and 4 g if age <12 months) = arm 3. For each arm, children aged from 6 to 11 months received 100 g x 2 per day of flours and those aged from 12 to 24 months received 100 g × 3 per day of FBF. The primary endpoint was nutritional recovery, defined by reaching a weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) ≥ −1.5 within 12 weeks. Overall, 881 children were randomised (297, 290 and 294 in arm 1, arm 2 and arm 3, respectively). Three hundred and forty‐four children were males (39%) and median/mean age were 14.6/14.4 months (SD = 4.9, IQR = 10.5–18.4). At inclusion, the three arms were comparable for all criteria, but differences were observed between countries. Overall, 44% (390/881) of the children recovered at week 12 from MAM, with no significant difference between the three arms (41.4%, 45.5% and 45.9%, in arm 1, arm 2 and arm 3, respectively, p = 0.47). This study did not support the true advantages of adding a prebiotic or antibiotic to flour. When using a threshold of WHZ ≥ −2 as an exploratory endpoint, significant differences were observed between the three arms, with higher success rates in arms with antibiotics or prebiotics compared to the control arm (66.9%, 66.0% and 55.2%, respectively, p = 0.005).
The impact of delirium on clinical and functional outcomes in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Dimitriadou Ioanna , Fradelos Evangelos C. , Skoularigis John , Toska Aikaterini , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Saridi Maria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDelirium, which is prevalent in critical care settings, remains underexplored in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).AimTo investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of delirium in patients with ACS admitted to the CICU.Study DesignA prospective study (n = 106, mean age 74.2 ± 5.7 years) assessed delirium using the confusion assessment method‐intensive care unit (CAM‐ICU) tool in 21.7% of ACS patients during their CICU stay. Baseline characteristics, geriatric conditions and clinical procedures were compared between delirious and nondelirious patients. The outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality, acute adverse events and length of CICU stay and hospital stay (LOS).ResultsDelirious patients who were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease underwent more complex procedures (e.g., pacemaker placement). Multivariate analysis identified central venous catheter insertion, urinary catheterization and benzodiazepine use as independent predictors of delirium. Delirium was correlated with prolonged LOS (p < .001) and increased in‐hospital, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality (p < .001).ConclusionsDelirium in ACS patients in the CICU extends hospitalization and increases in‐hospital, 30‐day and 6‐month mortality. Early recognition and targeted interventions are crucial for mitigating adverse outcomes in this high‐risk population.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study highlights the critical impact of delirium on outcomes in hospitalized patients with ACS in the CICU. Delirium, often overlooked in ACS management, significantly extends hospitalization and increases mortality rates. Nurses and physicians must be vigilant in identifying delirium early, particularly in older ACS patients or those with comorbidities. Recognizing independent predictors such as catheterization and benzodiazepine use allows for targeted interventions to reduce delirium incidence. Integrating routine delirium assessments and preventive strategies into ACS management protocols can improve outcomes, optimize resource utilization and enhance overall patient care in the CICU setting.
Root and shoot phenology, architecture, and organ properties: an integrated trait network among 44 herbaceous wetland species
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Mu Yanmei , Van Duzen Shianne , Ryser Peter 
Published: April 2024

Summary

Integrating traits across above‐ and belowground organs offers comprehensive insights into plant ecology, but their various functions also increase model complexity. This study aimed to illuminate the interspecific pattern of whole‐plant trait correlations through a network lens, including a detailed analysis of the root system.

Using a network algorithm that allows individual traits to belong to multiple modules, we characterize interrelations among 19 traits, spanning both shoot and root phenology, architecture, morphology, and tissue properties of 44 species, mostly herbaceous monocots from Northern Ontario wetlands, grown in a common garden.

The resulting trait network shows three distinct yet partially overlapping modules. Two major trait modules indicate constraints of plant size and form, and resource economics, respectively. These modules highlight the interdependence between shoot size, root architecture and porosity, and a shoot–root coordination in phenology and dry‐matter content. A third module depicts leaf biomechanical adaptations specific to wetland graminoids. All three modules overlap on shoot height, suggesting multifaceted constraints of plant stature. In the network, individual‐level traits showed significantly higher centrality than tissue‐level traits do, demonstrating a hierarchical trait integration.

The presented whole‐plant, integrated network suggests that trait covariation is essentially function‐driven rather than organ‐specific.
An oligo peptide transporter family member, OsOPT7, mediates xylem unloading of Fe for its preferential distribution in rice
Authors: Yamaji Naoki , Yoshioka Yuma , Huang Sheng , Miyaji Takaaki , Sasaki Akimasa , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: April 2024

Summary
Iron (Fe) needs to be delivered to different organs and tissues of above‐ground parts for playing its multiple physiological functions once it is taken up by the roots. However, the mechanisms underlying Fe distribution are poorly understood.
We functionally characterized OsOPT7, a member of oligo peptide transporter family in terms of expression patterns, localization, transport activity and phenotypic analysis of knockdown lines.
OsOPT7 was highly expressed in the nodes, especially in the uppermost node I, and its expression was upregulated by Fe‐deficiency. OsOPT7 transports ferrous iron into the cells coupled with proton. Immunostaining revealed that OsOPT7 is mainly localized in the xylem parenchyma cells of the enlarged vascular bundles in the nodes and vascular tissues in the leaves. Knockdown of OsOPT7 did not affect the Fe uptake, but altered Fe distribution; less Fe was distributed to the new leaf, upper nodes and developing panicle, but more Fe was distributed to the old leaves. Furthermore, knockdown of OsOPT7 also resulted in less Fe distribution to the leaf sheath, but more Fe to the leaf blade.
Taken together, OsOPT7 is involved in the xylem unloading of Fe for both long‐distance distribution to the developing organs and local distribution within the leaf in rice.
The chloroplast singlet oxygen‐triggered biosynthesis of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid is mediated by EX1 and GUN1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Geng Rudan , Li Xia , Huang Jirong , Zhou Wenbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) and defence hormones like salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) play pivotal roles in triggering cell death. However, the precise mechanism governing the interaction between ROS and SA/JA remains elusive. Recently, our research revealed that RNAi mutants with suppressed expression of PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH8 (PCD8) exhibit an overabundance of tetrapyrrole intermediates, particularly uroporphyrinogen III (Uro III), leading to the accumulation of singlet oxygen (1O2) during the transition from darkness to light, thereby instigating leaf necrosis. In this investigation, we uncovered that 1O2 stimulates biosynthesis of SA and JA, activating SA/JA signalling and the expression of responsive genes in PCD8 RNAi (pcd8) mutants. Introducing NahG or knocking out PAD4 or NPR1 significantly alleviates the cell death phenotype of pcd8 mutants, while coi1 partially mitigates the pcd8 phenotype. Further exploration revealed that EX1 and GUN1 can partially rescue the pcd8 phenotype by reducing the levels of Uro III and 1O2. Notably, mutations in EX1 mutations but not GUN1, substantially diminish SA content in pcd8 mutants compared to the wild type, implying that EX1 acts as the primary mediator of 1O2 signalling‐mediated SA biosynthesis. Moreover, the triple ex1 gun1 pcd8 displays a phenotype similar to ex1. Overall, our findings underscore that the 1O2‐induced cell death phenotype requires EX1/GUN1‐mediated retrograde signalling in pcd8 mutants, providing novel insights into the interplay between ROS and SA/JA.
Impact of prophylactic echinocandin on the development of neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan‐containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Horikawa Shogo , Kishimoto Kenji , Uemura Suguru , Hyodo Sayaka , Kozaki Aiko , Saito Atsuro , Ishida Toshiaki , Mori Takeshi , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough neurotoxicity is a major adverse event associated with busulfan, little information is available regarding the association between drug interactions and neurological symptoms during busulfan‐based regimens. This study evaluated the association between prophylactic echinocandins and neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan‐containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation.MethodsWe retrospectively included consecutive patients who administered intravenous busulfan as a conditioning regimen at our facility between 2007 and 2022. Prophylactic echinocandin use was defined as the use of an echinocandin antifungal drug to prevent invasive fungal disease in SCT recipients. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurological complications within 7 days of busulfan initiation and was compared between the echinocandin group (patients received prophylactic echinocandin) and nonechinocandin group (patients received prophylactic antifungal drugs other than echinocandin and those without antifungal prophylaxis).ResultsAmong the 59 patients included in this study, the incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin (n = 26) and nonechinocandin groups (n = 33) was 30.8% and 63.6%, respectively. We observed a negative association between prophylactic echinocandin use and the development of neurological complications after adjusting for the propensity score for receiving prophylactic echinocandins (adjusted odds ratio 0.294, 95% confidence interval 0.090 to 0.959). We observed a lower incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin group than in the nonechinocandin group.ConclusionOur results suggested that the choice of antifungal prophylaxis is associated with busulfan neurotoxicity.
Let's get physical: Aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and muscle endurance after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Krysler Amanda R. , Allan Chantal J. , Larsen Ingrid , Mathur Sunita , Morgan Catherine , Greenway Steven C. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom , Khoury Michael , West Lori J. , Urschel Simon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPediatric heart (HTx) and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients may have lower physical fitness than healthy children. This study sought to quantify fitness levels in transplant recipients, investigate associations to clinical factors and quality of life, and identify whether a quick, simple wall‐sit test is feasible as a surrogate for overall fitness for longitudinal assessment.MethodsAerobic capacity (6‐min walk test, 6MWT), normalized muscle strength, muscle endurance, physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), and quality of life (PedsQL™) were prospectively assessed in transplanted children and matched healthy controls.ResultsTwenty‐two HTx were compared to 20 controls and 6 KTx. 6MWT %predicted was shorter in HTx (87.2 [69.9–118.6] %) than controls (99.9 [80.4–120] %), but similar to KTx (90.3 [78.6–115] %). Muscle strength was lower in HTx deltoids (6.15 [4.35–11.3] kg/m2) and KTx quadriceps (9.27 [8.65–19.1] kg/m2) versus controls. Similarly, muscle endurance was lower in HTx push‐ups (28.6 [0–250] %predicted), KTx push‐ups (8.35 [0–150] %predicted), HTx curl‐ups (115 [0–450] %predicted), and KTx wall‐sit time (18.5 [10.0–54.0] s) than controls. In contrast to HTx with only 9%, all KTx were receiving steroid therapy. The wall‐sit test significantly correlated with other fitness parameters (normalized quadriceps strength R = .31, #push‐ups R = .39, and #curl‐ups R = .43) and PedsQL™ (R = .36).ConclusionsCompared to controls, pediatric HTx and KTx have similarly lower aerobic capacity, but different deficits in muscle strength, likely related to steroid therapy in KTx. The convenient wall‐sit test correlates with fitness and reported quality of life, and thus could be a useful easy routine for longitudinal assessment.
The decline of incrementalism in U.S. lawmaking
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPunctuated equilibrium theory (PET) posits that policy change is incremental for long periods of time with occasional shifts in problem definition and governing authority that produce large changes. Incrementalism results from shared norms and standard operating procedures within policy subsystems. The U.S. Congress experienced a series of institutional changes in the 1990s that both introduced more partisanship into subsystem interactions and made it easier for majority party leaders to enact their agenda. These changes have disrupted many of the processes that produce incrementalism. Using data from 1949 to 2022, I find that U.S. policy outputs, measured through public laws, have experienced fewer incremental changes from one term to the next and more moderate and very large changes since 1995. The shift in outputs has been driven primarily by increased partisan conflict within congressional committees. This study highlights the utility of using the stochastic process approach to compare distributions of outputs across time and not only across countries or institutions.
In search of a sustainable future: A comparative assessment of climate change regimes in Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Okoli Pontian , Abraham Etisang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractClimate change has caused significant hardship in sub‐Saharan Africa. As a result, Kenya and Nigeria now have statutes that focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Both countries are also parties to the Paris Agreement. The Kenyan Climate Change Act (2016) and the Nigerian Climate Change Act (2021) are similar in terms of their design and overarching aims. Meanwhile, certain pivotal statutory provisions in both statutes are inconsistent with their overarching aims of enhancing appropriate responses to climate change. There is considerable scope for access to justice to be enhanced in the Kenyan and Nigerian statutes. Further, despite their similarities, the divergent approaches of the statutes undermine regional coherence. Such coherence is critical to effectively addressing climate change because both regional powers face similar vulnerabilities with respect to climate change and socio‐economic challenges. This article, therefore, undertakes a comparative analysis of the Kenyan and Nigerian legal regimes in two key respects, namely, (1) institutional structures and how they impact corruption and (2) accessing justice in the context of climate litigation. The Nigerian regime is behind that of Kenya in both regards. The article concludes by examining how the Aarhus Convention and the International Access to Justice Convention can help to fill any statutory gaps concerning access to justice.
The ‘two lives’ of Esping‐Andersen and the revival of a research programme: Gender equality, employment and redistribution in contemporary social policy
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article makes two conceptual contributions to social policy literature. First, we summarise key concepts and insights from Gøsta Esping‐Andersen's major books, tracing his work in ‘two lives’: ‘the foundations, or the welfare state between states and markets’ and ‘the demographic turn’. Analysing the ‘first life’, we revisit the centrality of the decommodification and social stratification concepts and the seeds of the social investment approach. Further, we explore Esping‐Andersen's masterful analysis of the double bind of the welfare state (supporting full‐employment and redistributional harmony) in a post‐industrial era and how countries belonging to different regimes have dealt with it. Through his ‘second life’, we explore the ‘impossible marriage’ between full employment and equality, and the development of the social investment approach. Our second contribution is to critically analyse a tension—generated by the shift from a broad to a narrow social policy perspective—between the two lives and how it raises questions for contemporary social policy. We suggest the field should take stock of Esping‐Andersen's work holistically, going beyond a simplistic use of welfare regime typologies and the universal proposition of a Scandinavian‐style social investment approach. This approach tends to overlook factors related to the international context (e.g., the expansion of the market logic, and questions of exchange, inflation and debt) when assessing the impact of social policy on key outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to revive a research programme based on the integration between social policy and international political economy, a programme geared at critically assessing issues related to gender equality, employment and redistribution.
Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
Authors: Hu Lifang , Dai YeQin , Zhang Hongyan , Wu Yi , Wang Tao , Song Xiuzu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFemale pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most prevalent type of alopecia among adult women. Presently, topical minoxidil stands as the sole treatment endorsed by the FDA. Addressing cases of FPHL in individuals who develop contact dermatitis in response to minoxidil can pose a challenge for dermatologists.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) in treating FPHL.MethodsEnrolled outpatients with FPHL who exhibited an allergic reaction to minoxidil solution. Diagnosis of FPHL was established through clinical examination and trichoscopy. Inclusion criteria involved patients with no prior treatment within the last year and without any comorbidities. BTA, specifically 100 units, was mixed with 2 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Twenty injection target sites, spaced 2–3 cm apart, were symmetrically marked on the hairless area of the scalp. A dosage of five units was intradermally injected at each target site. Representative photographs and dermoscopic images of the scalp were captured before and after 3 months of treatment.ResultsA total of 10 FPHL, aged between 26 and 40 years, were included. The average age was 30.3 ± 4.64 years, and all patients had a positive family history of Androgenetic Alopecia. The average duration of the disease was 3.70 ± 1.42 years. According to patients' self‐assessment, after 1 month of treatment, 10 FPHL patients reported experiencing moderate to marked improvement in symptoms related to scalp oil secretion. Three months later, dermatological assessments showed that three had mild improvement, six had no change, and one had a worsening condition. No adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the effectiveness of BTA for FPHL is limited to 3 months. However, it can be considered for tentative use after effective communication with patients. The long‐term efficacy and safety of BTA in treating FPHL require further observation and study.
Trust, corruption, and willingness to pay for improved environmental goods: An experimental analysis from a developing country
Authors: Zambrano‐Monserrate Manuel A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether the type of provider institution affects the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of a population for an urban regeneration project.MethodsThis research conducts a discrete choice experiment under a split‐sample approach, conducting two types of surveys, with the only variation being the administering institution for the funds.ResultsThe main findings indicate a significant difference in WTP between the sample associated with international non‐governmental organization (NGO) and the municipal sample. For example, the WTP of the population when the provider institution is an international NGO is almost six times higher than when the administering institution is the municipality, which is related to green spaces. The findings suggest that WTP may be underestimated because of the low levels of trust in local public institutions.ConclusionThe findings of this study have significant implications for economic valuation and public‐policy development. Future research aiming to estimate WTP for environmental goods and services must carefully consider the choice of administering institutions. The sensitivity of WTP to the institutional context, particularly in developing countries, highlights the need for thorough discussions in focus groups and validation through pilot surveys.