bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the age‐related dynamics in Sjögren's syndrome: Insights from heart rate variability and autonomic function
Authors: Lin Hong‐Chun , Yen Chien‐Ming , Chen Wei‐Sheng , Hsu Chih‐Chien , Kung Yen‐Ying , Wu Jin‐Huang , Su Yu‐Ting , Chen Kuo‐Feng , Chen Hsin‐Yuan , Lien Chien‐Min , Wang Ming‐Jen , Chang Ching‐Mao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundSjögren's Syndrome (SS), mainly affecting women in their midlife, is characterized by persistent inflammation in glands producing tears and saliva, often leading to significant complications. This study investigates the differences in autonomic system functioning between individuals with SS and healthy controls.MethodsFrom April 2019 to December 2022, 329 diagnosed primary SS (pSS) patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The study assessed autonomic nervous system functioning using various HRV metrics. Participants were divided based on age and AECG criteria, including salivary gland biopsy and autoantibody status.ResultsSignificant differences in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were observed between pSS patients and healthy controls. The total power index was notably lower in pSS patients (4.98 ± 1.29) than in controls (5.54 ± 1.21, p = .022). Additionally, Vagal (VAG) activity was significantly reduced in the pSS group (4.95 ± 1.33) compared to the healthy control group (5.47 ± 1.19, p = .041). Age‐stratified analysis highlighted that the ≤50 years pSS group had a higher heart rate (77.74 ± 10.42) compared to the >50 years group (73.86 ± 10.35, p = .005). This group also showed a higher total power index (5.78 ± 1.30) versus the >50 years group (4.68 ± 1.19, p < .001), and significantly lower VAG activity (4.70 ± 1.26, p = .007) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the Standard Deviation of Normal‐to‐Normal Intervals (SDNN) was greater in the ≤50 years SS group (44.45 ± 37.12) than in the >50 years group (33.51 ± 26.18, p = .007). In pSS patients, those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies demonstrated a lower Total Power (4.25 ± 1.32) and R‐wave validity (93.50 ± 4.79, p < .05) than other groups, suggesting more severe autonomic imbalance. The R‐R interval variation (RRIV) was also significantly higher in this dual‐positive group (696.10 ± 975.41, p < .05). Additionally, the ESSPRI for dryness was markedly higher in the dual‐positive group (8.10 ± 1.45, p < .05), indicating more severe symptoms. These findings reveal significant variations in autonomic function in SS patients, especially in those with dual‐positive biopsy and autoantibody status.ConclusionThis study demonstrates significant autonomic dysfunction in pSS patients compared to healthy controls, particularly in those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies. The age‐stratified analysis further emphasizes the impact of aging on autonomic system functioning in pSS, suggesting a need for age‐specific management approaches in pSS patient care.
Do hometown CEOs treat their employees better? Evidence from China
Authors: Yi Lingxue , Jiang Yichi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEmployees are the most fundamental stakeholders in business operations, and safeguarding their rights and interests is an important manifestation of a firm's level of social responsibility. Little research has addressed whether hometown CEOs can affect employee‐related CSR (E‐CSR) and how the corporate ownership and regional economic development would moderate such an impact. Using an informal institutional perspective, we extend the literature on CEO characteristics by exploring the factors leading to employee welfare. Analysing a panel dataset of 1018 firms from Chinese A‐share listed companies between 2008 and 2020, we find a positive relationship between hometown identity and E‐CSR. Further research indicates that the effect is more pronounced in state‐owned enterprises and underdeveloped areas. Against the backdrop of weak labour protection in China's labour market, we contribute to research on informal institutions and employee benefits in pursuing harmonious labour relations.
Young people's experiences of the Northern Rivers 2017 flood and its effects on their mental health
Authors: Luk Michelle , Longman Jo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore young people's (YP) experiences of catastrophic flooding in the Northern Rivers area of northern NSW in 2017 and its effect on their mental health.DesignContent analysis of free‐text survey responses (written responses to open questions, rather than selecting a response option).SettingNorthern Rivers NSW.ParticipantsYP aged 16–25 years who were Northern Rivers residents at the time of the 2017 flood.ResultsYP found their flood experience to be novel and challenging. They expressed worry, distress, anxiety, and worsened pre‐existing mental health issues as a result of the flood. YP reported a number of primary stressors (inadequate preparedness, warning and support during the flood) and secondary stressors (loss/damage of property and possessions, financial strain and disruptions to daily life) which potentially contributed to poor mental health. Some YP reported positive outcomes from their flood experience, notably increased community connectedness and personal resilience. However, they also expressed concern for the future, particularly potential reoccurrence of extreme floods as well as climate change. YP conveyed a desire for better community involvement to improve preparedness for future floods and a clear motivation to take action on climate change.ConclusionThe flood was a challenging experience for YP which was commonly described as negatively affecting their mental health. Understanding what YP view as significant events or issues arising from their personal flood experience may help target support mechanisms and services to maintain their mental. More focus on community‐based initiatives to improve disaster preparedness can support mental health in YP.
Artificial intelligence measured 3D body composition to predict pathological response in rectal cancer patients
Authors: Wei Matthew Y , Cao Ke , Hong Wei , Yeung Josephine , Lee Margaret , Gibbs Peter , Faragher Ian G. , Baird Paul N. , Yeung Justin M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is moving towards total neoadjuvant therapy and potential organ preservation. Of particular interest are predictors of pathological complete response (pCR) that can guide personalized treatment. There are currently no clinical biomarkers which can accurately predict neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) response but body composition (BC) measures present as an emerging contender. The primary aim of the study was to determine if artificial intelligence (AI) derived body composition variables can predict pCR in patients with LARC.MethodsLARC patients who underwent NAT followed by surgery from 2012 to 2023 were identified from the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Outcomes and Research Database registry (ACCORD). A validated in‐house pre‐trained 3D AI model was used to measure body composition via computed tomography images of the entire Lumbar‐3 vertebral level to produce a volumetric measurement of visceral fat (VF), subcutaneous fat (SCF) and skeletal muscle (SM). Multivariate analysis between patient body composition and histological outcomes was performed.ResultsOf 214 LARC patients treated with NAT, 22.4% of patients achieved pCR. SM volume (P = 0.015) and age (P = 0.03) were positively associated with pCR in both male and female patients. SCF volume was associated with decreased likelihood of pCR (P = 0.059).ConclusionThis is the first study in the literature utilizing AI‐measured 3D Body composition in LARC patients to assess their impact on pathological response. SM volume and age were positive predictors of pCR disease in both male and female patients following NAT for LARC. Future studies investigating the impact of body composition on clinical outcomes and patients on other neoadjuvant regimens such as TNT are potential avenues for further research.
Using historical habitat loss to predict contemporary mammal extirpations in Neotropical forests
Authors: Bogoni Juliano A. , Peres Carlos A. , Navarro Ana B. , Carvalho‐Rocha Vitor , Galetti Mauro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding which species will be extirpated in the aftermath of large‐scale human disturbance is critical to mitigating biodiversity loss, particularly in hyperdiverse tropical biomes. Deforestation is the strongest driver of contemporary local extinctions in tropical forests but may occur at different tempos. The 2 most extensive tropical forest biomes in South America—the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon—have experienced historically divergent pathways of habitat loss and biodiversity decay, providing a unique case study to investigate rates of local species persistence on a single continent. We quantified medium‐ to large‐bodied mammal species persistence across these biomes to elucidate how landscape configuration affects their persistence and associated ecological functions. We collected occurrence data for 617 assemblages of medium‐ to large‐bodied mammal species (>1 kg) in the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon. Analyzing natural habitat cover based on satellite data (1985–2022), we employed descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLMs) to investigate ecospecies occurrence patterns in relation to habitat cover across the landscapes. The subregional erosion of Amazonian mammal assemblage diversity since the 1970s mirrors that observed since the colonial conquest of the Atlantic Forest, given that 52.8% of all Amazonian mammals are now on a similar trajectory. Four out of 5 large mammals in the Atlantic Forest were prone to extirpation, whereas 53% of Amazonian mammals were vulnerable to extirpation. Greater natural habitat cover increased the persistence likelihood of ecospecies in both biomes. These trends reflected a median local species loss 63.9% higher in the Atlantic Forest than in the Amazon, which appears to be moving toward a turning point of forest habitat loss and degradation. The contrasting trajectories of species persistence in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest domains underscore the importance of considering historical habitat loss pathways and regional biodiversity erosion in conservation strategies. By focusing on landscape configuration and identifying essential ecological functions associated with large vertebrate species, conservation planning and management practices can be better informed.
Microglia and glioblastoma heterocellular interplay sustains tumour growth and proliferation as an off‐target effect of radiotherapy
Authors: Alberghina Cristiana , Torrisi Filippo , D'Aprile Simona , Longhitano Lucia , Giallongo Sebastiano , Scandura Grazia , Mannino Giuliana , Mele Stefania , Sabini Maria Gabriella , Cammarata Francesco P. , Russo Giorgio , Abdelhameed Ali S. , Zappalà Agata , Lo Furno Debora , Giuffrida Rosario , Li Volti Giovanni , Tibullo Daniele , Vicario Nunzio , Parenti Rosalba 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM), a WHO grade IV glioma, is a malignant primary brain tumour for which combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the first‐line approach despite adverse effects. Tumour microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an interplay of cells and soluble factors holding a critical role in neoplastic development. Significant pathophysiological changes have been found in GBM TME, such as glia activation and oxidative stress. Microglia play a crucial role in favouring GBM growth, representing target cells of immune escape mechanisms. Our study aims at analysing radiation‐induced effects in modulating intercellular communication and identifying the basis of protective mechanisms in radiation‐naïve GBM cells. Tumour cells were treated with conditioned media (CM) derived from 0, 2 or 15 Gy irradiated GBM cells or 0, 2 or 15 Gy irradiated human microglia. We demonstrated that irradiated microglia promote an increase of GBM cell lines proliferation through paracrine signalling. On the contrary, irradiated GBM‐derived CM affect viability, triggering cell death mechanisms. In addition, we investigated whether these processes involve mitochondrial mass, fitness and oxidative phosphorylation and how GBM cells respond at these induced alterations. Our study suggests that off‐target radiotherapy modulates microglia to support GBM proliferation and induce metabolic modifications.
Diagnosis and therapy of actinic keratosis
Authors: Thamm Janis Raphael , Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra 
Published: March 2024

SummaryActinic keratosis (AK) is considered a chronic and recurring in situ skin neoplasia, with a possible transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Among others, predominant risk factors for development of AK are UV‐light exposure and immunosuppression. Basal epidermal keratinocyte atypia (AK I) and proliferation (PRO score) seem to drive malignant transformation, rather than clinical appearance of AK (Olsen I–III). Due to the invasiveness of punch biopsy, those histological criteria are not regularly assessed. Non‐invasive imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and line‐field confocal OCT (LC‐OCT) are helpful to distinguish complex cases of AK, Bowen's disease, and SCC. Moreover, LC‐OCT can visualize the epidermis and the papillary dermis at cellular resolution, allowing real‐time PRO score assessment. The decision‐making for implementation of therapy is still based on clinical risk factors, ranging from lesion‐ to field‐targeted and ablative to non‐ablative regimens, but in approximately 85% of the cases a recurrence of AK can be observed after a 1‐year follow‐up. The possible beneficial use of imaging techniques for a non‐invasive follow‐up of AK to detect recurrence or invasive progression early on should be subject to critical evaluation in further studies.
Lifetime and 10‐year cardiovascular risk prediction in individuals with type 1 diabetes: The LIFE‐T1D model
Authors: Helmink Marga A. G. , Hageman Steven H. J. , Eliasson Björn , Sattar Naveed , Visseren Frank L. J. , Dorresteijn Jannick A. N. , Harris Katie , Peters Sanne A. E. , Woodward Mark , Szentkúti Péter , Højlund Kurt , Henriksen Jan Erik , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Serné Erik H. , van Sloten Thomas T. , Thomsen Reimar W. , Westerink Jan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsTo develop and externally validate the LIFE‐T1D model for the estimation of lifetime and 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA sex‐specific competing risk‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was derived in individuals with type 1 diabetes without prior CVD from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR), using age as the time axis. Predictors included age at diabetes onset, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, albuminuria and retinopathy. The model was externally validated in the Danish Funen Diabetes Database (FDDB) and the UK Biobank.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 11.8 years (interquartile interval 6.1–17.1 years), 4608 CVD events and 1316 non‐CVD deaths were observed in the NDR (n = 39 756). The internal validation c‐statistic was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.85) and the external validation c‐statistics were 0.77 (95% CI 0.74–0.81) for the FDDB (n = 2709) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.77) for the UK Biobank (n = 1022). Predicted risks were consistent with the observed incidence in the derivation and both validation cohorts.ConclusionsThe LIFE‐T1D model can estimate lifetime risk of CVD and CVD‐free life expectancy in individuals with type 1 diabetes without previous CVD. This model can facilitate individualized CVD prevention among individuals with type 1 diabetes. Validation in additional cohorts will improve future clinical implementation.
Multiple choice as formative assessment in dental education
Authors: Haugen Håvard J. , de Lange Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe effectiveness of multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) in dental education is pivotal to student performance and knowledge advancement. However, their optimal implementation requires exploration to enhance the benefits.Materials and MethodsAn educational tool incorporating MCQs was administered from the 5th to the 10th semester in a dental curriculum. The students filled out a questionnaire after the MCQ, which was linked to the learning management system. Four cohorts of four semesters generated 2300 data points analysed by Spearmen correlation and mixed model regression analysis.ResultsDemonstrated a significant correlation between early exam preparation and improved student performance. Independent study hours and lecture attendance emerged as significant predictors, accounting for approximately 10.27% of the variance in student performance on MCQs. While the number of MCQs taken showed an inverse relationship with study hours, the perceived clarity of these questions positively correlated with academic achievement.ConclusionMCQs have proven effective in enhancing student learning and knowledge within the discipline. Our analysis underscores the important role of independent study and consistent lecture attendance in positively influencing MCQ scores. The study provides valuable insights into using MCQs as a practical tool for dental student learning. Moreover, the clarity of assessment tools, such as MCQs, remains pivotal in influencing student outcomes. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of learning experiences in dental education and the importance of bridging the gap between student expectations and actual performance.
Mothering in liminality: Toward a definition of third culture parenting
Authors: D'Attoma Claire , Germann Molz Jennie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study proposes a preliminary definition of third culture parenting drawn from the experiences of relatively privileged expat mothers who raise their children outside of their passport country.BackgroundA vast literature examining third culture kids (TCKs) in the context of expatriate postings exists, as does research on parenting styles among middle‐class, U.S. families; however, there is little scholarship exploring where these intersect: an emerging style of third culture parenting.MethodThis gap was explored through an inductive, qualitative analysis of data collected from 11 in‐depth interviews with middle‐class mothers who were all married and globally mobile because of their husbands' work. In total, these families lived in 17 countries.ResultsRespondents reflected on the challenges and opportunities of parenting while suspended in a liminal space between geographic locations and cultural contexts.ConclusionThis article examines several paradoxes that emerged in the analysis: juggling intensive parenting with children's increased independence, navigating family dynamics that are both insular and egalitarian, and creating a sense of belonging in mobility. Analysis of these paradoxes of mothering in liminality is significant if the transnational lives of expatriate families are harbingers of the kinds of identities and family relations that are becoming commonplace in a mobile world.ImplicationsThe phenomenon of TCKs is well documented in the scholarship, but it must also be understood in relation to an emerging style of third culture parenting among expatriate families, which may inform therapeutic interventions aimed at these families.
A structured rubric for evaluating the many systemic variables that can contribute to parent–child contact problems (PCCP)
Authors: Garber Benjamin D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractParent–child contact problems (PCCP) are among the most vexing and intractable matters encountered in contemporary divorce and post‐divorce litigation. These complex and incendiary family dynamics can confound even the most experienced evaluators, investigators, and jurists, fueling opposing confirmational biases, and sparking a destructive tug‐of‐war between the aligned parent's allegations of abuse and the rejected parent's allegations of alienation. This article describes all such either/or binary arguments as misleading, contrary to the science, and harmful to children. Rather than cast alienation and estrangement as mutually exclusive alternatives, the systemically‐informed professional must consider more than a dozen mutually compatible practical exigencies and relationship dynamics which can converge to cause a child to align with one parent and resist or refuse contact with the other. Together, these variables are described as constituting an ecological model of the conflicted family system. A rubric is proposed to standardize evaluation across time, children, families, and jurisdictions, minimize bias, avoid premature closure, facilitate more comprehensive evaluations, optimize the efficacy of associated interventions, and invite more rigorous future research.
Unraveling the impact of female CEOs on corporate bond markets
Authors: Yur‐Austin Jasmine , Zhao Ran , Zhu Lu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLittle is known about how executive gender shapes the inherent conflict of interest between shareholders and bondholders. Using a sample of almost 100,000 unique bond‐year observations, this study investigates how the appointment of female chief executive officers (CEOs) lowers the default outlook. Our evidence indicates that bond yield and bond volatility are significantly lower after a female takes the helm at a firm. This executive gender effect remains highly statistically and economically significant across various robustness checks and after addressing endogeneity concerns. Female CEOs lower the default risk component of the bond yield but have no material impact on the liquidity component. Subsample analysis substantiates the conditional effect of female CEOs on bond yield and bond volatility. Our evidence indicates that female CEOs’ risk‐averse attributes pass through the credit risk and information asymmetry channels.
A multi‐objective transportation model for COVID‐19 patients: lesson learned from France
Authors: Alaya Houda , Jammeli Haifa , Abdelaziz Fouad Ben , Masmoudi Meryem , Verny Jerome 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe current COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has revealed many challenges to the world. The pandemic obliged public authorities to impose lockdowns and stop several activities. Limited hospital capacity was considered one of the main reasons behind lockdown decisions. To partially face hospital congestion, the healthcare authorities suggested transferring patients to hospitals in regions with available beds to relieve overloaded hospitals. Such transfer operations required exceptional modes of transportation such as trains and airplanes. This paper aims to demonstrate that efficient health logistics might help face the pandemic health effects and save lives. In this paper, we propose a multi‐objective mathematical program to schedule the transfer of patients using trains and airplanes. The proposed sustainable logistics model was tested using French real‐life data for the period March–April 2020 using CPLEX software. We also illustrate the health benefits of our solution.