bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between assisted living facility context and resident pain during the COVID-19 pandemic: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Shrestha Shovana , Dampf Hana , Hogan David B , McGrail Kimberlyn , Knopp-Sihota Jennifer , Maxwell Colleen J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Resident pain has been a common quality issue in congregate care for older adults, and COVID-19-related public health restrictions may have negatively affected resident pain. Most studies have focused on nursing homes (NHs), largely neglecting assisted living (AL). AL residents are at similar risk for pain as NH resident, but with AL providing fewer services and staffing resources. Our study examined whether potentially modifiable AL home characteristics were associated with resident pain during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This repeated cross-sectional study linked AL home surveys, collected in COVID-19 waves 1 (March-June 2020) and 2 (October 2020-February 2021) from a key contact, to administrative Resident Assessment Instrument – Home Care (RAI-HC) records in these homes. Surveys assessed preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks, availability of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, direct care staff shortages, decreased staff morale, COVID-19 outbreaks, confinement of residents to their rooms, supporting video calls with physicians, facilitating caregiver involvement. The dependent variable (moderate daily pain or pain of a severe intensity) and resident covariates came from the RAI-HC. Using general estimating equations, adjusted for repeated resident assessments and covariates, we assessd whether AL home factors were associated with resident pain during the pandemic.
Results
We included 985 residents in 41 facilities (wave 1), and 1,134 residents in 42 facilities (wave 2). Pain prevalence [95% confidence interval] decreased non-significantly from 20.6% [18.6%-23.2%] (March-June 2019) to 19.1% [16.9%-21.6%] (October 2020-February 2021). Better preparedness (odds ratio = 1.383 [1.025–1.866]), confinement of residents to their rooms (OR = 1.616 [1.212–2.155]), availability of a nurse practitioner (OR = 0.761 [0.591–0.981]), and staff shortages (OR = 0.684 [0.527–0.888]) were associated with resident pain.
Conclusions
AL facility-level factors were associated with resident pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy and management interventions can and must address such factors, providing potentially powerful levers for improving AL resident quality of care.
Andean bear tree selectivity for scent-marking in Ecuadorian cloud forests
Authors: Filipczykova Eva , Clapham Melanie , Horn Russell C. Van , Nevin Owen T , Barros Jorge Luis Armijos , Vorel Aleš 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Olfactory signaling is the most efficient mode of animal communication when the interval between signaller and receiver is delayed. Scent-marking requires selective strategies to increase the likelihood that these signals persist in the environment and are successfully received. Bears are solitary, non-territorial carnivores, which scent-mark trees, substrate, and other objects to communicate with conspecifics. Signallers place scent-marks on trees to increase the detectability of their signals, possibly also to communicate their size and status. We assessed scent-marking tree selectivity of Andean bears, Tremarctos ornatus, in Ecuadorian cloud forests at two spatial scales: the individual-tree level and at a local scale. We recorded characteristics of marked and unmarked trees along bear trails (5.49 km in total) in the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, near the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve. To decrease dimensionality and multicollinearity before explanatory analyses, we performed Principal Component Analysis on data from 467 trees of 48 tree species. We then used Generalized Linear Models, model selection, and model averaging to discover that Andean bears preferred rubbing leaning trees, aromatic tree species, and hardwood trees with smaller and thicker leaves containing less nitrogen. Ten of 59 marking sites contained multiple marked trees, but site-level data do not indicate why bears marked multiple trees at some sites but not others. We thus encourage further analyses of marked-tree cluster sites and their relationship to productive food resources and reproduction, which might present important communication hubs for ursids.
Risk Factors for Maxillary Central Incisors Torque Loss in Orthodontic Treatment of Premolar Extraction Cases with Clear Aligners：a retrospective study
Authors: wang jiangting 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background：Torque loss of maxillary central incisor teeth occurs frequently during space closure with clear aligners (CA).The aim of this study was to analyse the percentage reduction in upper incisor lingual inclination and risk factors for upper incisor angle after Invisalign treatment in extraction cases.
Methods：Records were obtained from 52 patients (average age 27.6 years) who initiated with Invisalign at four different orthodontic practices. Data was collected from cephalometric radiographs, doctors' case notes, and CA Web site databases. All patients who were treated with CAs were divided into maxillary incisors Lingual tipping (L) and non-maxillary incisors Lingual tipping (NL) groups based on whether U1-NA(°) was less than 17.1 (Mean -1 SD). Cephalometric data before and after therapy were analysed using a paired t-test. Differences between the L and NL groups were examined through independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Correlation factors, including CC difficulty scores, age, gender, pre-treatment upper central incisor inclination, skeletal classification, divergence, orthodontist, treatment length, and refinements number, were identified using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results：After treatment, 61.5% of the patients experienced upper incisor lingual inclination. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the number of refinements, treatment length, and age (P＜0.05). The number of refinements was directly proportional to the duration of treatment. A statistical difference was observed between orthodontists and the number of refinements. However, adolescents had significantly less refinement. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed negative correlations between age (P=0.002), treatment length (P=0.002), and different orthodontists (P=0.013) with the reduction of the upper incisor angle after treatment.
Conclusions：The upper central incisors exhibit torque loss in extraction cases treated with Invisalign. The risk of a reduction in the angle of the upper incisors after treatment is increased by factors such as the patient's age (older patients), longer treatment times, and young orthodontists. It is recommended that these factors be closely monitored and guided during clinic visits.
A real world test of Portfolio Optimizationwith Quantum Annealing
Authors: Sakuler Wolfgang , Oberreuter Johannes M. , Aiolfi Riccardo , Asproni Luca , Roman Branislav , Schiefer Jürgen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this note, we describe an experiment on portfolio optimization using the Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation. The dataset we use is taken from a real-world problem for which a classical solution is currently deployed and used in production. In this work, carried out in a collaboration between the Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) and Reply, we derive a QUBO formulation, which we solve using various methods: two D-Wave hybrid solvers, that combine the employment of a quantum annealer together with classical methods, and a purely classical algorithm. Particular focus is given to the implementation of the constraint that requires the resulting portfolio’s variance to be below a specified threshold, whose representation in an Ising model is not straightforward. We find satisfactory results, consistent with the global optimum obtained by the exact classical strategy. However, since the tuning of QUBO parameters is crucial for the optimization, we investigate a hybrid method that allows for automatic tuning.
Injury-dependent wound care behavior in the desert ant Cataglyphis nodus
Authors: Beydizada Narmin I. , Abel Antonia , Schultheiss Patrick , Frank Erik T. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Ants often face injuries during foraging, or interspecific competition, elevating infection risk and mortality among the wounded. To avoid this, ants engage in wound care on injured nestmates as a form of social immunity. In this study, we show that Cataglyphis nodus desert ants perform differentiated wound care behavior, depending on wound location and state. Leg-injured ants received significantly more wound care than antenna-injured ants. However, leg wounds with induced infections received barely any wound care from nestmates, leading to similar levels of mortality in isolation and inside the nest. Instead, such leg-infected ants are expelled from the nest, emphasizing the care-kill dichotomy in social immunity. Infections of antennal wounds showed no change in the level of wound care, nor increased mortality. Our results suggest that the level of wound care in ants can be flexibly adjusted to the perceived mortality risk of injuries. Leg injuries pose a greater risk of infection and mortality compared to antennal injuries, likely because of the larger wound area and increased vascular circulation, necessitating intensive prophylactic care to prevent infection. This study is the first to show wound care in Cataglyphis ants despite their short lifespan and offers significant insights into social immunity mechanisms.
Causal Relationships between Overall and Abdominal Obesity and Varicose Veins: A Two- Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Tan Shuo , Peng Kuang , Feng Juling , Li Zhihui , Zhao Feiyu , Li Boling , Tan Xiaotong , Ma Jingfeng , Zhao Lei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The association between obesity and varicose veins is recognized; however, the specific causal links between different types of obesity and varicose veins remain unclear. Our study explores the causal effects of general and abdominal obesity on varicose veins through Mendelian randomization.
Methods
We conducted univariable (UVMR) and multivariable (MVMR) Mendelian randomization, using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) as proxies for general and abdominal obesity, respectively. The Mendelian randomization analysis utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the UK Biobank (UKB) and FinnGen. Instrumental variables were identified from SNP data, requiring strong association (P < 5e–8) and independence (r2 < 0.001). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis was the primary method for causal inference. Extensive sensitivity analyses were also performed to confirm the validity of our results.
Results
UVMR showed a causal link between higher BMI and increased incidence of varicose veins (OR = 1.304, CI = 1.209–1.407, P = 6.778e-12), while WC was similarly associated (OR = 1.478, CI = 1.335–1.636, P = 5.092e-14). In MVMR analyses controlling for BMI, WC was found to have a direct causal effect on varicose veins (OR = 1.654, 95% CI: 1.066–2.568, P = 0.0248). After adjusting for WC, the data did not support a direct causal link between BMI and varicose veins (OR = 0.899, 95% CI: 0.632–1.277, P = 0.0551).
Conclusion
This study suggests that WC might be a more precise indicator of the relationship between obesity and varicose veins compared to BMI.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sentinel Surveillance in Commercial COVID-19 Testing Sites Targeting Asymptomatic Individuals During Japan’s Seventh Epidemic Wave
Authors: Shiino Teiichiro , Takeuchi Junko S , Ohyanagi Hajime , Kimura Moto , Kazuyama Yukumasa , Ikeda Masato , Sugiura Wataru 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Eight peaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak occurred in Japan, each associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern. The National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (NESID) analyzed viral genome sequences from symptomatic patients and submitted the results to GISAID. Meanwhile, commercial testing services occasionally sequence samples from asymptomatic individuals. We compared a total of 1,248 SARS-CoV-2 full-genome sequences obtained from the SB Coronavirus Inspection Center Corp. (SBCVIC) during Japan’s seventh wave, which was dominated by Omicron variants, with 1,764 sequences obtained in Japan from GISAID during the same period using chronological phylogenies and molecular transmission networks. The number of SBCVIC sequences was consistent with the number of cases reported by NESID. The SBCVIC detected a shift in the PANGO lineage from BA.2 to BA.5 earlier than that of GISAID. BA.2 lineages from the SBCVIC were distributed at different locations in the transmission network dominated by GISAID entries, whereas BA.5 lineages from SBCVIC and GISAID often formed distinct subclusters. Test-based sentinel surveillance of asymptomatic individuals may be a more manageable approach compared to notifiable disease surveillance; however, it may not necessarily capture all infection populations throughout Japan.
Improving cervical maturation degree classification accuracy using a multi-stage deep learning approach
Authors: Motie Parisa , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Hassanzadeh-Samani Sahel , Razzaghi Negar , Behnaz Mohammad , Shahab Shahriar , Motamadian Saeed-Reza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Classifying the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) degree is helpful in determining the peak period of growth and predicting the growth rate and pattern. The current study proposed a multistage framework for automated CVM classification.The dataset consisted of 2325 lateral cephalograms. Two orthodontists independently classified the images into six classes. One object detection (Faster RCNN) and two classification models (ResNet 101) were designed using the Python programming language and PyTorch library. The First classification model classified images into two main groups (i.e., C1-C3 and C4-C6) based on the C4 vertebrae shape. The second one classified each group into its subcategories. Each classification model was trained and tested using a 10-fold cross-validation strategy. The general framework reached an accuracy of 82.96%. The object detection of ROI extraction reached the mAP50 and mAP75 of 100%. The first classifier model had an accuracy of 99.10% on the hold out test set. The classifier of C1-C3 images had higher accuracy than the C4-C6 classification model (86.49% versus 82.80%) The accuracy of this fully automated framework was promising. Considering the gradual changes in cervical vertebrae morphology the use of visualized data by gradient-weighted class activation maps (Grad-CAM) is suggested to improve the model’s performance.
Structural investigation of interactions between newly synthesized halogenated flavonoids and the lipid membrane along with their role as cytotoxic agents
Authors: Dudek Anita , Szulc Natalia , Pawlak Aleksandra , Strugała-Danak Paulina , Krawczyk-Łebek Agnieszka , Perz Martyna , Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta , Pruchnik Hanna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the structural and molecular changes in lipid membranes under the influence of six halogenated flavonoid derivatives differing in the number and position of substitution of chlorine and bromine atoms (D1-D6). Utilizing various analytical techniques, including fluorometric methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS), attenuated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR- FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, the research seeks to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interaction of flavonoids with cell membranes. Additionally, the study includes in silico analyses to explore the physicochemical properties of these compounds and their potential pharmaceutical applications, along with toxicity studies to assess their effects on cancer, normal, and red blood cells. Our study showed the ability of halogenated derivatives to interact mostly with the outer part of the membrane, especially in the lipid heads region however, some of them were able to penetrate deeper into the membrane and affect the fluidity of hydrocarbon chains. The potential to reduce cancer cell viability, the lack of toxicity towards erythrocytes, and the favourable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties make these halogenated flavonoids potential candidates for exploring their potential for medical use.
Microbial Compositions and Nutritional Properties of Commercial and Local Yoghurts in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. Shaminur , Chowdhury Susmita Roy , Chakrovarty Tanay , Kador S. M. , Islam Khondoker Tanjim , Bhuiyan Mohammad Imtiaj Uddin , Islam Md. Tanvir , Islam Ovinu Kibria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Yogurt is a widely consumed traditional fermented food. The health benefits and shelf life of yogurt depend on the type and magnitude of fermenting microorganisms, the proportion of physicochemical parameters, and the presence of microbial and metal contaminants. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and bacterial diversity of sour and sweet yogurts, commercially and locally produced in Bangladesh. A total of 38 samples, 19 each for sour and sweet yogurts, randomly collected from several commercial and local brands in Bangladesh. The most standard AOAC methods were used to perform proximate analysis, AAS to determine minerals, and high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to conduct metagenomic analysis. For statistical and bioinformatic analysis, R and QIIME 2 were used, respectively, to perform OTU extractions and rarefaction, alpha and beta diversity, and spearman correlation. Sweet yogurts contained significantly greater pH, fat, moisture, TS, SNF content (%, w/w) and Streptococcus spp.(%) than sour samples, whereas sour yogurts contained more moisture, ash, minerals content (Zn, Na, Ca and Mg) and Lactobacillus spp. (% ). Sour samples had more bacterial diversity, along with probiotics and potentially harmful opportunistic path-ogens, including Enterobacter, Lactococcus, Aeromonas and Acinetobacter. Also, commercial brands exhibited higher abundance of some well-known probiotic strains than the local brands. The more the ash content, the more amount of Ca was exhibited. The relative abundance of most of the bacterial genera, except Lactobacillus, was positively correlated with each other. Except for Lactobacillus, fat (%) had negatively, whereas pH and moisture had positively influenced the growth of other bacterial genera. The presence of Hafnia in yogurt positively influenced the bioavailability of all minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, k, Ca and Mg). Nutritional parameters were varied based on the taste of yogurt samples with sour ones having greater nutritional values and bacterial diversity. These findings would help understand in consuming yogurts for health benefits.
Australian preferences for influenza vaccine attributes and cost: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Fifer Simon , Toh Lili , Yu Daniel , Young Katherine , Menche Jason 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
People in Australia have access to different influenza vaccines, but may be unaware of available options and their features. There is a lack of preference studies for differentiated influenza vaccines including cell-based vaccines, particularly in Australia. This study investigated which influenza vaccine attributes people in Australia value, and the associated marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) using a discrete choice experiment (DCE).
Methods
Adults in Australia ineligible for free influenza vaccine, had been vaccinated in the last 5 years and intended to be vaccinated against influenza completed an online survey with a DCE. Participants were presented three influenza vaccine profiles described by eight attributes. Half of the DCE scenarios described influenza season severity to be the same as last year, and the other half as more severe. DCE data was analysed using a mixed multinomial logit (MMNL) model.
Results
N = 1203 adults completed the survey. All eight attributes significantly predicted vaccine choice (p < .05). Regardless of influenza season severity, preference was higher for a vaccine: with greater protection, designed to be an exact match to circulating influenza strains (match), using modern vaccine technology, manufactured by an Australian company, able to be received at a pharmacy, preferred by health care professionals (HCP), government funded for high-risk individuals, and having lower cost. Ranked on relative attribute importance, the top three were protection, match, and cost. Participants were willing to pay more for match and higher protection when simulating preference shares. The MWTP for the most important attributes, not including cost, were $1.61/$2.18 for each additional percent in protection (same/more severe season respectively), $25.37/$32.37 for match, and $4.06/$15.97 for HCP preference.
Conclusions
Taken together, findings suggest match, protection, cost and HCP preference are key influences on vaccine choice, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making.
Willingness, Socio-Demographic Factors and Perceptions Influencing Specialization Among Environmental Health Practitioners in the Public Sector: A Case Study of South Africa
Authors: Mbazima Setlamorago Jackson , Mbonane Thokozani Patrick 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Environmental health is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary profession with a broad scope that offers opportunities for specialisation. The objective of this study was to determine the willingness, socio-demographic factors and perceptions influencing specialization among environmental health practitioners (EHPs) specialisation among in South Africa.
Methods
Using a purposive sampling strategy, a self-administered questionnaire was sent electronically to EHPs working in the public sector. Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between specialisation in environmental health (EH) and sociodemographic factors. Binary logistic regression was also used to determine the factors influencing specialisation among EHPs.
Results
One hundred and seventy-six EHPs, consisting of 109 females and 67 males, participated in the study. EHPs had a good understanding of specialisation, and 93% of them were willing to specialise in EH. Correlation analysis indicated that being a generalist demotivated EHPs (p = 0.01). A strong positive statistically significant difference (r = 0.23, p ˃ 0.01) was found between specialisation and education. Specialisation also had a positive statistically significant relationship with the position of EHPs (r = 0.03, p = 0.04), policy-making role (r = 0.11, p = 0.05), years in the current position (r = 0.07, p = 0.03) and having received specialised training (r = 0.18, p = 0.02). Education was the only socio-demographic factor that influenced specialisation in EH (p = 0.04, CI: 0.16–9.99).
Conclusions
The current scope of practice in EH is too broad and makes it difficult for EHPs to be productive and efficient. There is a need to improve the current approach to rendering EHSs in South Africa by introducing specialisation.