bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of estimated glomerular filtration rate equations in Black living kidney donor candidates
Authors: Augustine Joshua J. , Liaqat Aimen , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse D. , Poggio Emilio D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionNew estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations using serum creatinine and/or cystatin C have been derived to eliminate adjustment by perceived Black ancestry. We sought to analyze the performance of newer eGFR equations among Black living kidney donor candidates.MethodsBlack candidates (n = 64) who had measured iothalamate GFR between January 2015 and October 2021 were included, and eGFR was calculated using race adjusted (eGFRcr2009 and eGFRcr‐cys2012) and race unadjusted (eGFRcys2012, eGFRcr2021, and eGFRcr‐cys2021) CKD‐EPI equations. Bias and accuracy were calculated.ResultsThe eGFRcr2021 equation had a negative bias of 9 mL/min/1.73 m2, while other equations showed a modest positive bias. Accuracy within 10% and 30% was greatest using the eGFRcr‐cys2021 equation. With the eGFRcr2021 equation, 9.4% of donors with an mGFR > 80 mL/min/1.73 m2 were misclassified as having an eGFR < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. eGFR was also compared among 18 kidney donors at 6–24 months post‐donation. Post‐donation, the percentage of donors with an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 44% using the eGFRcr2021 equation compared to 11% using the eGFRcr‐cys2021 equation.ConclusionThe CKD‐EPICr2021 equation appears to underestimate true GFR in Black living donor candidates. Alternatively, compared to CKD‐EPICr2021, the CKD‐EPICr‐CysC2021 equation appears to perform with less bias and improved accuracy.
Artificial intelligence calculated global longitudinal strain and left ventricular ejection fraction predicts cardiac events and all‐cause mortality in patients with chest pain
Authors: O'Driscoll Jamie M. , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Gaibazzi Nicola 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and myocardial deformation with global longitudinal strain (GLS) has shown promise in predicting adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether artificial intelligence (AI) calculated LVEF and GLS is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all‐cause mortality in patients presenting with chest pain.MethodsWe studied 296 patients presenting with chest pain, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Clinical data, downstream clinical investigations and patient outcomes were collected. Resting TTE images underwent AI contouring for automated calculation of LVEF and GLS with Ultromics EchoGo Core 2.0. Regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and AI calculated parameters associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 7.8 years (IQR 6.4, 8.8), MACE occurred in 34 (11.5%) patients and all‐cause mortality in 60 (20%) patients. AI calculated LVEF (Odds Ratio [OR] .96; 95% CI .93–.99 and .96; 95% CI .93–.99) and GLS (1.11; 95% CI 1.01–1.21 and 1.08; 95% CI 1.00–1.16) were independently associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality, respectively. According to Cox proportional hazards, a LVEF < 50% was associated with a 3.7 times MACE and 2.8 times all‐cause mortality hazard rate compared to those with a LVEF ≥ 50%. Those with a GLS ≥ 15% was associated with a 2.5 times MACE and 2.3 times all‐cause mortality hazard rate compared to those with a GLS ≤ 15.ConclusionAI calculated resting LVEF and GLS is independently associated with MACE and all‐cause mortality in high CVD risk patients. These results may have significant clinical implications through improved risk stratification of patients with chest pain, accelerated workflow of labour‐intensive technical measures, and reduced healthcare costs.
Fetal cardiac left ventricle functional changes in pregnancies with maternal hypothyroidism
Authors: Özalp Miraç , Genç Simten , Özalp Gülçin , Mihmanli Veli 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate fetal cardiac function in cases with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and to determine the effect of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment and Anti‐thyroid peroxidase (Anti‐TPO) antibody status on fetal cardiac functions in cases with subclinical hypothyroidism.MethodsWithin the scope of the study, fetuses of 23 overt hypothyroid, 52 subclinical hypothyroid and 250 control group pregnant women were evaluated. Fetal cardiac function was assessed via cardiac Doppler.ResultsIsovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) values in the overt hypothyroid group were significantly higher than both the subclinical hypothyroid group (p: .006, p: .000, respectively) and the control group (p: .000, p: .000, respectively). In addition, both IRT and MPI were significantly higher in the subclinical hypothyroid group than in the control group (p: .000, p: .000, respectively). In the subclinical hypothyroid group, there was no significant difference in terms of cardiac function parameters in the fetuses of pregnant women who received LT4 therapy and those who did not. When pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism were evaluated according to their Anti‐TPO antibody status, IRT and MPI values were found to be significantly higher in fetuses of Anti‐TPO (+) pregnant women (respectively, p: .005, p: .019).ConclusionIn the presence of maternal overt or subclinical hypothyroidism, fetal cardiac functions may be affected as early as the second trimester. Anti‐TPO antibody positivity in cases with subclinical hypothyroidism seems to negatively affect fetal cardiac functions.
Pandemic containment and inequality in a developing economy
Authors: Dasgupta Kunal , Murali Srinivasan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing individual‐level panel data from India, we show that income inequality between high‐skilled and low‐skilled workers increased following COVID‐19 lockdown. Integrating a susceptible, infected, recovered, dead epidemiological model into a general equilibrium framework with high‐skilled and low‐skilled workers, working either from their offices (onsite) or from their homes (remote), we can explain between 24 and 59 percent of the observed increase in inequality. We also find that disease incidence is higher among low‐skilled workers as they choose to work more onsite compared to their high‐skilled counterparts. Direct transfers for low‐skilled workers reverses this increase in inequality and improves the effectiveness of containment policies.
Electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis of Pinus thunbergii needles: Stomatal penetration by seawater and solutes
Authors: Park Junhyung , Seo Dahye , Kim Ki Woo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSeawater salt deposition was investigated in the needles of Pinus thunbergii trees growing in the coastal area of Pohang, Korea. Both green asymptomatic and brown necrotized needles were air‐dried and processed for field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Seawater salt crystals appeared randomly deposited on the asymptomatic needles. No distinct epicuticular waxes were found in the stomata or on the needle surface. The salt crystals, which varied in size, were observed in the stomatal chambers as well as on the apertures of the Florin rings, and similar crystals were also observed on the necrotized brown needles. Sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) were prevalent on the needles and mostly co‐localized in the crystals. Magnesium was partially co‐localized with Cl, but often co‐occurred with potassium. Depending on the elemental composition of salts, two types of salt deposition were observed on the needles: (i) the coffee‐ring pattern and (ii) the uniform pattern. The apparent NaCl crystal depositions in the stomatal chambers indicated the stomatal penetration by seawater and solutes in the seawater‐sprayed needles of P. thunbergii. These results provide insights into the initial phase of seawater salt‐induced injury occurring through the stomatal pathway in pine species distributed in coastal areas.
Dermal papilla cell‐secreted biglycan regulates hair follicle phase transit and regeneration by activating Wnt/β‐catenin
Authors: Zhu Ningxia , Yan Junping , Gu Weifan , Yang Qilin , Lin En , Lu Siyue , Cai Bozhi , Xia Bin , Liu Xin , Lin Changmin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAlopecia is a prevalent problem of cutaneous appendages and lacks effective therapy. Recently, researchers have been focusing on mesenchymal components of the hair follicle, i.e. dermal papilla cells, and we previously identified biglycan secreted by dermal papilla cells as the key factor responsible for hair follicle‐inducing ability. In this research, we hypothesized biglycan played an important role in hair follicle cycle and regeneration through regulating the Wnt signalling pathway. To characterize the hair follicle cycle and the expression pattern of biglycan, we observed hair follicle morphology in C57BL/6 mice on Days 0, 3, 5, 12 and 18 post‐depilation and found that biglycan is highly expressed at both mRNA and protein levels throughout anagen in HFs. To explore the role of biglycan during the phase transit process and regeneration, local injections were administered in C57BL/6 and nude mice. Results showed that local injection of biglycan in anagen HFs delayed catagen progression and involve activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Furthermore, local injection of biglycan induced HF regeneration and up‐regulated expression of key Wnt factors in nude mice. In addition, cell analyses exhibited biglycan knockdown inactivated the Wnt signalling pathway in early‐passage dermal papilla cell, whereas biglycan overexpression or incubation activated the Wnt signalling pathway in late‐passage dermal papilla cells. These results indicate that biglycan plays a critical role in regulating HF cycle transit and regeneration in a paracrine and autocrine fashion by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and could be a potential treatment target for hair loss diseases.
Lessons From the Field Psychosocial consequences of the COVID‐19 homestay for preschoolers and their parents
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , DiCarlo Cynthia F. , Willis Matthew L. , Bordes Piper J. , Calamia Matthew R. , Marks Loren D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe authors explored the psychosocial consequences of the COVID‐19 homestay lockdown for preschool‐age children and their parents using a mixed‐method design.BackgroundFew studies have examined the impact of a global pandemic on family adaptive processes among parents and their preschool age children.MethodParticipants were 24 highly educated White and Asian parents with children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) at Louisiana State University. Parents completed an online survey that assessed sociodemographic and health characteristics, and they participated in an interview with their children.ResultsContent analysis of parent and child narratives yielded four core themes: (a) expanded family time with family needs prioritized, (b) staying informed with current pandemic news, (c) positive experiences included more time spent with family, and (d) negative experiences included disruptions to family and work‐related routines.ConclusionPersonal and professional challenges that families faced during the COVID‐19 lockdown were loss of familiar routines, managing stressors, and protecting health. Positive factors included prioritization of family needs and new opportunities for intergenerational relationships with extended family and grandparents.ImplicationsParents, teachers, and extended family support adaptive family processes that promote resilience and psychosocial well‐being despite the uncertainties of a global pandemic.
Wetland cover in agricultural landscapes is positively associated with bumblebee abundance
Authors: Cohen Abigail L. , Devries James H. , Galpern Paul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Conversion of land for agricultural use is a leading driver of global biodiversity loss. Natural and semi‐natural lands within agricultural landscapes are targeted for protection because they provide habitat for many organisms.
Pothole (or kettle) wetlands occur across the Northern Hemisphere and are a focus for conservation both because of their location within agriculturally intensive landscapes and their importance to vertebrates, especially migratory birds.
Recent evidence suggests that wetlands may also be an important habitat for arthropods, including insects that provide ecosystem services. To understand how insects associate with wetlands and landscape features, we examine the relationship between bumblebees (Bombus), and wetland area, cropland area and wetland perimeter‐area ratio.
We found that wetland area is significantly positively associated with the occurrence and abundance of the species studied. We also found that the relationship between bumblebees and wetland perimeter‐area ratio varied across the growing season. This suggests that the importance of wetland edge as a foraging habitat varies across the season.
These results show the utility of wetlands to bees, though their resources are likely not being used uniformly by all bumblebee species or across the entire growing season. Our results also suggest that pothole wetlands in agricultural landscapes are likely to support biodiversity, and their conservation contributes to overall ecosystem health and function.
Oral mucosa involvement in pediatric patients with xeroderma pigmentosum: a comprehensive review
Authors: Baskurt Defne , Vural Secil , Ertekin Sümeyre S. , Baykal Can 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundXeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with an inability to repair UV‐induced DNA damage. This can lead to the development of neoplasms affecting multiple organ systems, with onset often in childhood. Unfortunately, no cure currently exists for XP, and management strategies focus on sun protection and early intervention for malignancies. Although most skin problems in XP patients are UV induced, various oral lesions are also described. However, the literature has not extensively characterized the oral manifestations and their prognostic significance.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive review to evaluate the prevalence and nature of oral mucosal lesions in pediatric XP patients.ResultsOur literature search yielded 130 pediatric XP patients with oral involvement and 210 associated tumoral or non‐tumoral lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of oral mucosal tumor reported, with other malignancies including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and trichilemmal carcinoma.ConclusionGiven the potential morbidity and mortality associated with oral mucosal tumors in XP patients, our study aims to raise awareness of these manifestations. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these lesions effectively, and routine oral exams should be considered a critical component of dermatological evaluations for XP patients, especially in the pediatric age group.
Exploring the impact of a multilevel intervention focused on reducing the practices of seclusion and restraint in acute mental health units in an Australian mental health service
Authors: Havilla Sizwile , Alanazi Faisal Khalaf , Boon Brad , Patton Declan , Ho Yen‐Chung , Molloy Luke 
Published: November 2023

AbstractReducing and eliminating seclusion and restraint in inpatient settings has been a key area of focus in mental health policy and research for many years. To address this issue, numerous programmes aimed at minimising the use of these practices have been developed over the past two decades, with varying degrees of success. This article reports on research focused on the implementation of a localised, multilevel complex intervention that targeted both organisational and individual factors related to the use of seclusion and restraint. The researchers followed the impact of the intervention by interviewing medical, nursing and allied health staff who worked within the service (N = 12) and analysing the rates of seclusion and restraint over an 18‐month period. Post‐adoption, participants identified that there were clear changes in practice culture. Seclusion clearly became a practice of last resort and other options became prominent in staff's practice. Participants identified that there was a sense of shared purpose across the multidisciplinary team. The clinical environment was viewed as being more therapeutic for service users and less frightening for staff. There was a significant difference in the total number of seclusion events between pre‐ (Mean = 6.22, SD = 5.82) and post‐implementation (Mean = 2.55, SD = 2.44, p = 0.002, d = 0.94), demonstrating a significantly lower number of seclusions was observed after the intervention. Similarly, a significant difference in restraint events between pre‐ (Mean = 5.50, SD = 3.77) and post‐implementations (Mean = 3.38, SD = 3.21, p = 0.037, d = 0.62) was observed.
Association of high‐normal albuminuria and vascular aging: Hanzhong adolescent hypertension study
Authors: Du Ming‐Fei , Wang Yang , Hu Gui‐Lin , Wang Dan , Man Zi‐Yue , Chu Chao , Liao Yue‐Yuan , Chen Chen , Ma Qiong , Yan Yu , Jia Hao , Sun Yue , Zhang Xi , Luo Wen‐Jing , Chang Ming‐Ke , Mu Jian‐Jun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNormoalbuminuria has recently been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and vascular aging is proposed as the early manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Here, the authors aimed to examine the association of high‐normal albuminuria and vascular aging in a Chinese cohort. From our previously established cohort, 1942 participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) <30 mg/g were enrolled. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) ≥1400 cm/s and/or carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) ≥0.9 mm were used as indicators of vascular aging. Multivariate regression and receiving operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to examine the relationship between continuous and categorical UACR with vascular aging. We found an average UACR value of 8.08 (5.45–12.52) mg/g in this study. BaPWV and CIMT demonstrated positive correlations with lg‐UACR (p < .05). High‐normal albuminuria (10–29 mg/g) was significantly associated with the presence of vascular aging after adjusting for multiple cardiovascular confounders (OR = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.203–1.972, p = .001). In addition, a lg‐UACR cutoff point of 0.918 lg(mg/g) (equal to UACR of 8.285 mg/g) was significantly associated with the presence of vascular aging and its components for all participants and those without hypertension or diabetes and without medication (p < .05). Briefly, high‐normal albuminuria was significantly associated with vascular aging in this sample of Chinese adults. These findings implied the warning of elevated UACR even within normal range in clinical practice and the importance of UACR screening in normoalbuminuria for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy participants.
Periodontal conditions and association of periodontitis with oral‐health‐related quality of life in patients experiencing different episodes of bipolar disorder compared with healthy controls
Authors: Sari Aysegul , Kokacya M. Hanifi , Ide Mark 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to evaluate periodontal conditions and the association of periodontitis with oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with a history of bipolar disorder.Materials and MethodsA total of 160 participants were recruited in four groups for the study: 40 patients with euthymic episodes, 40 patients with depression, 40 patients with manic episodes and 40 systemically healthy individuals. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) was used to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life.ResultsBipolar disorder groups exhibited generally higher clinical parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). OHIP‐14 total score (β = 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–6.56, p = .044), functional limitation (β = .89, 95% CI: 0.27–1.49, p = .005) and physical pain (β = .64, 95% CI: 0.01–1.27, p = .046) were associated with bipolar depression episodes. Psychological discomfort was associated with the presence of generalized periodontitis (β = .76, 95% CI: 0.01–1.51, p = .047) and psychological disability was associated with the presence of stage III–IV (β = .83, 95% CI: 0.07–1.59, p = .033) and generalized (β = .75, 95% CI: 0.07–1.42, p = .029) periodontitis.ConclusionsAccording to this study, a history of bipolar disorder episodes (exposure) may be associated with increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis and related reported OHRQoL impacts (outcomes). Bipolar depression episodes had a higher impact on OHRQoL than other bipolar episodes.
Asia‐Pacific survey on green endoscopy
Authors: Ho Jacky C. L. , Lui Rashid N. , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Hock Nicholas T. C. , Luo Xiaobei , Tang Raymond S. Y. , Chiu Philip W. Y. , Ang Tiing Leong ,   The Green Endoscopy Initiative of Asia‐Pacific (GEIA)
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimGreenhouse gas emissions are the fundamental cause of global warming, with CO2 being the most contributive. Carbon reduction has been widely advocated to mitigate the climate crisis. The endoscopy unit is the third highest waste‐generating department in a hospital. The awareness and acceptance of the practice of green endoscopy among healthcare workers is unclear.MethodAn online survey was conducted over a 5‐week period from July to August 2023 in the Asia‐Pacific region, which targeted endoscopists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals of the endoscopy unit. The primary outcome was the agreement to adopt green endoscopy. The secondary outcomes included views on sustainable practices, factors associated with increased acceptance of green endoscopy, the acceptance of different carbon reduction measures, and the perceived barriers to implementation.ResultsA total of 259 valid responses were received. Overall, 79.5% of participants agreed to incorporate green endoscopy into their practice. Nevertheless, existing green policies were only reported by 12.7% of respondents. The level of understanding of green endoscopy is the only significant factor associated with its acceptance (odds ratio 3.10, P < 0.007). Potential barriers to implementation include healthcare cost increment, infection risk, inadequate awareness, and lack of policy and industrial support.ConclusionGreen endoscopy is well accepted among healthcare workers but not widely implemented. The level of understanding is highly associated with its acceptance, highlighting the importance of education. A reliable assessment tool is needed to quantify the environmental impact of endoscopy. Further studies are needed to ascertain its benefit and cost effectiveness.