bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of opioid use in New Zealand older adults, 2007–2018
Authors: Fahmy Hoda , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Cheung Gary , Tomlin Andrew , Beyene Kebede 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesOpioid use has increased globally, dramatically increasing opioid overdose, dependence, abuse and mortality. Limited research is available on opioid use patterns in older adults in New Zealand and internationally. This study aims to address this gap by determining the incidence and prevalence of opioid use among older adults (age ≥65 years) in New Zealand from 2007 to 2018.MethodsThis was a population‐based retrospective cohort study conducted using New Zealand national administrative healthcare databases. The annual opioid use incidence (2008–2018) and prevalence (2007–2018) in older adults were determined and stratified by sex, age, and opioid type and strength. We used descriptive statistics to summarise the patterns of opioid dispensing. Data analysis was conducted using MS Excel, and data linking was performed using SQL software.ResultsA total of 820,349 older adults were initiated on opioids during the study period. The overall incidence of opioid use in older adults showed a steady increase from 2008 to 2015; similarly, the prevalence steadily increased from 2007 to 2015, and thereafter, both rates fluctuated. A slight decrease in both prevalence and incidence rates was observed in 2018. Codeine and tramadol were the most commonly dispensed opioids during the study period. Females had a higher incidence and prevalence of all opioids than males.ConclusionsThe incidence and prevalence of opioid dispensing increased in New Zealand older adults over time. Monitoring the trends of opioid use in older adults is critical to enable clinicians and policymakers to deliver early interventions to prevent future opioid‐related adverse events.
Comparison of skin cancer risk between renal transplant recipients and patients with glomerular diseases in rural Queensland
Authors: Thet Zaw , Lam Alfred King‐yin , Ng Shu‐Kay , Aung Soe Yu , Han Thin , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Newsham Stephanie , Borg Jennifer , Pepito Christine , Khoo Tien K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroudctionThere is increased risk of skin cancer in patients with gloermular disease or those with renal transplant.ObjectivesTo compare the risk of skin cancer between kidney recipients (KTRs) and patients with glomerular disease (GD).DesignThe cohort comprised patients with KTRs (n = 61) and GD (n = 51) in Central and Central West Queensland, Australia. A quantitative cohort study was undertaken to study the risk of skin cancer in rural communities between two subgroups of patients with kidney diseases in relationship to immunosuppression. Statistical analyses of the differences in incidence of skin cancers between the two groups were done by chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t‐test and McNemar's test.FindingsKTRs with non‐melanoma skin carcinoma (NMSC) increased significantly after treatment with immunosuppressants (pre‐transplantation, n = 11 [18.0%], post‐transplantation, n = 28 [45.9%]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in number of patients with NMSC observed in the GD group (pre‐diagnosis, n = 6 [11.8%], post‐diagnosis, n = 7 [13.7%]; p = 1.000). Compared to the risks at 1 year post‐immunosuppressants, the incidence of NMSC of KTRs increased significantly at 3 years (20.3% vs. 35.4%, p < 0.001) and 5 years (20.3% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.001) post‐immunosuppressants, whereas the increased incidence of NMSC was observed only at 5 years (2.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.012) in the GD cohort. The mean cumulative number of NMSC in KTRs increased significantly at 3 years (p = 0.011), and 5 years (p = 0.001) post‐immunosuppressants, compared to the risks at 1 year post‐immunosuppressants, however, no differences were noted in the GD cohort.DiscussionImmunosuppressants increased the risk of NMSC in KTRs. The increased risk is likely dependent on the intensity and duration of immunosuppressants.ConclusionIn patients with a high risk of NMSC, reducing skin cancer risk should be considered in conjunction with the optimisation of treatment.
Socio‐economic status, mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes: Mediation and moderation
Authors: King Ronnel B. , Wang Faming , Leung Shing On , Elliot Andrew 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSocio‐economic status is one of the most important factors shaping students' motivation and achievement but has seldom been explored in relation to achievement goals.AimsThis study aimed to investigate whether mastery‐approach goals explain the link between SES and key learning‐related outcomes (mediation) and whether SES modifies the relationship between mastery‐approach goals and these outcomes (moderation).SampleData came from 595,444 students nested in 21,322 schools across 77 countries.MethodsData were analysed using multilevel‐moderated mediation analyses.ResultsWe found significant mediation and moderation. In terms of mediation, mastery‐approach goals mediated the association between family SES and learning‐related outcomes. However, a different pattern emerged for school SES, as students in higher SES schools had lower mastery‐approach goals. In terms of moderation, we found that family SES strengthened the association between mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes. However, the association between mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes was weaker in higher SES schools.ConclusionTheoretical and practical implications for the achievement goal approach to achievement motivation are discussed.
Class size reduction, bullying, and violent behavior: Evidence from West Bank schools
Authors: Hallaq Sameh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClass size is one of the predominant topics in educational policy debate, as its impact on academic performance has not always yielded consistent findings. Nevertheless, less emphasis was paid to noncognitive outcomes such as well‐being and behavioral issues. This study employs rich administrative and survey data to investigate the effects of class size on students’ bullying and violent behavior as well as cognitive abilities tests. The study uses the maximum class size rule to create a regression discontinuity (RD) relation between cohort enrollment size and class size in the public and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency school system in the West Bank. Further, this study provides evidence that there is no violation of the RD assumptions resulting from discontinuities in the relationship between enrollment and students’ household background at cutoff points induced by a maximum class size rule. The findings suggest that class size reduction improves the quality of life for children by mitigating bullying and violent behavior among pupils, which might have long‐term adverse effects on academic attainment. Finally, peer relationships and mental health problems are identified as potential mechanisms through which class size influences self‐reported levels of bullying and violent behavior among students.
Contesting the conventional wisdom of periodontal risk assessment
Authors: Raittio Eero , Lopez Rodrigo , Baelum Vibeke 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOver the years, several reviews of periodontal risk assessment tools have been published. However, major misunderstandings still prevail in repeated attempts to use these tools for prognostic risk prediction. Here we review the principles of risk prediction and discuss the value and the challenges of using prediction models in periodontology. Most periodontal risk prediction models have not been properly developed according to guidance given for the risk prediction model development. This shortcoming has led to several problems, including the creation of arbitrary risk scores. These scores are often labelled as ‘high risk’ without explicit boundaries or thresholds for the underlying continuous risk estimates of patient‐important outcomes. Moreover, it is apparent that prediction models are often misinterpreted as causal models by clinicians and researchers although they cannot be used as such. Additional challenges like the critical assessment of transportability and applicability of these prediction models, as well as their impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes, are not considered in the literature. Nevertheless, these instruments are promoted with claims regarding their ability to deliver more individualized and precise periodontitis treatment and prevention, purportedly resulting in improved patient outcomes. However, people with or without periodontitis deserve proper information about their risk of developing patient‐important outcomes such as tooth loss or pain. The primary objective of disseminating such information should not be to emphasize assumed treatment efficacy, hype individualization of care, or promote business interests. Instead, the focus should be on providing individuals with locally validated and regularly updated predictions of specific risks based on readily accessible and valid key predictors (e.g. age and smoking).
Anti‐inflammatory effects of reticuline on the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway in a mouse model of obesity‐associated asthma
Authors: Lyu Xiaojiang , Liu Jiaojiao , Liu Zengrong , Wu Ying , Zhu Ping , Liu Chonghai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAsthma associated with obesity is a chronic disease characterized by earlier airway remodeling, severe wheezing, and increased insensitivity to hormone therapy. Reticuline, a bioactive compound of Magnoliae Flos, exerts anti‐inflammatory activity and can inhibit neutrophil recruitment. Thus, this study investigated the role of reticuline in obesity‐related asthma.MethodsThe BALB/c mice fed a low‐fat diet (LFD) and high‐fat diet (HFD) were intranasally challenged with house dust mites (HDMs) or ovalbumin (OVA). Reticuline (0.25 mg/kg) was administrated into mice by intragastrical gavage. Airway hyper‐responsiveness was examined after the final challenge. Body weight was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected. The number of inflammatory cells in BALF was estimated. Histological changes were assessed by performing hematoxylin–eosin staining, and production of proinflammatory cytokines and IgE was examined by ELISA kits. Related pathways were studied with western blotting.ResultsReticuline suppressed airway resistance and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue and reduced inflammatory cell recruitment in BALF in obesity mice with asthma. Additionally, the levels of IL‐17A, IL‐1β, IL‐5, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted in the lung were reduced by reticuline. Mechanistically, reticuline inactivated the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways in obesity‐related asthma.ConclusionReticuline alleviates airway inflammation in obesity‐related asthma by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer – a retrospective study of 782 patients
Authors: Schnabl Saskia Maria , Garbe Claus , Breuninger Helmut , Walter Vincent , Aebischer Valentin , Huynh Julia , Ghoreschi Franziska Carola , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Scheu Alexander 
Published: January 2024

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesDue to frailty, dermatosurgery in the elderly is preferably performed under tumescent local anesthesia, but data is limited. The aim was to evaluate tumescent local anesthesia for skin cancer surgery in the elderly with focus on clinical benefits (treatment processes, pain management) and local postoperative complication risk.Patients and MethodsInvestigation of patients ≥ 75 years with inpatient head and neck skin cancer surgery under tumescent local anesthesia.Results2,940 procedures in 782 patients (mean age 83.3 years) were performed with the aim of complete tumor resection during the inpatient stay. 3.8 (range: 1–20) interventions were done over an average of 4.9 days (range: 1–28). 43.2% did not require any postoperative analgesia. 53.5% received NSAIDs, 3.3% opioids. Infection (13.6%) was the most common local postoperative complication. Surgical intervention due to bleeding was required in 2.8%. None was hemoglobin relevant or life‐threatening. Suture dehiscence and necrosis were rare (0.6%).ConclusionsTumescent local anesthesia is an effective method for skin cancer surgery in the elderly. By avoiding general anesthesia, treatment processes can be optimized and anesthesiologic risks minimized. Local postoperative complications are still low and well treatable. The long‐lasting analgesia results in a reduced need for analgesics and drug interactions.
Treatment of ocular rosacea: a systematic review
Authors: Avraham Shani , Khaslavsky Sophie , Kashetsky Nadia , Starkey Samantha Y. , Zaslavsky Kirill , Lam Joseph M. , Mukovozov Ilya 
Published: January 2024

SummaryRosacea is a common chronic skin disease distributed primarily around the central face. Ocular manifestations of rosacea are poorly studied, and estimates of prevalence vary widely, ranging from 6% to 72% in the rosacea population. Treatment options for ocular rosacea include lid hygiene, topical and oral antibiotics, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, oral vitamin A derivatives, and intense pulsed light; however, a direct comparison of treatment methods for ocular rosacea is lacking. This review aims to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events for different treatment modalities in ocular rosacea. We performed a systematic review by searching Cochrane, MEDLINE and Embase. Title, abstract, full text screening, and data extraction were done in duplicate. Sixty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 1,275 patients. The most effective treatment modalities were topical antimicrobials and oral antibiotics, which achieved complete or partial response in 91% (n = 82/90) and 89% (n = 525/580) of patients respectively, followed by intense pulsed light (89%, n = 97/109 partial response), cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (87% n = 40/46), and lid hygiene (65%, n = 67/105). Combination treatments achieved a complete or partial response in 90% (n = 69/77). Results suggest that topical antimicrobials, oral antibiotics, intense pulsed light. and cyclosporine were the most efficacious single modality treatments.
The cutaneous microbiome in skin cancer – A systematic review
Authors: Ding Ruojun , Lian ShengYang Bertrand , Tam Yew Chong , Oh Choon Chiat 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe overall incidence of skin cancer has risen over the past half a decade worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in molecular testing have allowed us to better characterize microbiome alterations in skin cancer. However, literature specific to skin microbiome and skin cancer remain heterogenous and scattered.A systematic review was performed to identify the existing literature and its usefulness in providing microbiome‐based biomarkers. A search of the databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, GoogleScholar) was conducted from June to July 2022 in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.A total of 1,543 articles were identified, of which 16 were selected for inclusion in the review (11 articles on cancer of the keratinocytes and 5 articles on melanoma). Increased Staphylococcus (S.) aureus prevalence with decline in commensal organisms is seen in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK), compared to healthy skin. While the microbiome of melanoma appears to be distinct from healthy skin, limited data is available to draw meaningful conclusions.Our review summarizes the current evidence on the microbiome of keratinocyte skin cancers and melanoma. The study establishes that the microbiome of these cancers is altered from healthy skin and that this dysbiosis involves both pathogenic and commensal organisms.
Pre‐operative high‐frequency ultrasound: a reliable management tool in auricular and nasal non‐melanoma skin cancer
Authors: Crisan Diana , Wortsman Ximena , Catalano Orlando , Badea Radu , Kastler Sabine , Badea Alexandru , Manea Avram , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Strilciuc Stefan , Crisan Maria , Schneider Lars Alexander 
Published: January 2024

SummaryBackground and objectivesThe knowledge of depth infiltration in non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) using pre‐operative ultrasound could enable clinicians to choose the most adequate therapeutic approach, avoiding unnecessary surgeries and expensive imaging methods, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Our single‐center retrospective study determined the usefulness of high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for depth infiltration assessment in auricular and nasal NMSC and assessed the subsequent change in therapeutic approach.Patients and MethodsIn 60 NMSC cases, we assessed the accuracy of HFUS in cartilaginous/bone infiltration detection as well as the correlation of sonographic and histological parameters.ResultsIn 16.6% of cases, a deep cartilaginous/bone involvement or locoregional disease was identified pre‐operatively, resulting in a changed therapeutical scheme of radio‐immunological treatment rather than surgery. In two cases, pre‐operative HFUS identified local cartilage infiltration, reducing the number of surgical procedures. Forty‐eight remaining lesions with no depth infiltration were excised; a correlation of > 99% between the histologic and sonographic tumor depth (p<0.001) was found.ConclusionsPre‐surgical HFUS influences the therapeutic management in NMSC by detecting subclinical involvement of deeper structures, avoiding more extensive diagnostics, reducing costs, and improving healthcare quality. High‐frequency ultrasound should be implemented in dermatosurgery before tumor excision for optimized therapy and improved patient counseling.
The value of targeted biological surveys: An assessment of Australia's Bush Blitz programme
Authors: Ware Chris , Williams Kristen J. , Ferrier Simon , Faith Daniel P. , Manion Glenn , Hawkins Brian , Harwood Thomas D. , Langston Art , Meyers Jacqui , Perry Justin , Harding Jo , Fyfe Sue 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimBiodiversity assessment and decisions rely on knowledge of the spatial distribution of species, yet most global biodiversity is inadequately represented by occurrence records. Efforts to improve our knowledge of biodiversity distribution include targeted taxon survey programmes aimed at generating records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Here, we evaluate nearly 8 years of biodiversity record collection by Bush Blitz, Australia's largest species discovery programme, to test how efficiently knowledge was added through the programme.LocationContinental Australia.MethodsBecause we expect locations that are environmentally distinct in comparison with those already surveyed to harbour novel records of species, we assess the extent to which Bush Blitz surveys complement continental environmental diversity (ED). We then assess how effectively this improvement in sampling of ED translates into the accumulation of records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Our assessment is based on Bush Blitz data for six taxa (amphibians, spiders, land snails, moths and butterflies, reptiles and vascular plants), benchmarked against data accumulated over the same period by the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA)—Australia's largest aggregation of biodiversity records—as a comparison of effectiveness to the Bush Blitz programme.ResultsEnvironments surveyed through the Bush Blitz programme are highly complementary to environments from which ‘background’ observations were made over the same period and aggregated in the ALA. Bush Blitz surveys result in large numbers of records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Across most biological groups considered, additions were made highly efficiently with respect to survey effort, relative to background survey effort represented in the ALA.Main ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the ability of the Bush Blitz programme to contribute valuable data to conservation assessment and planning and the important role of surrogate‐based assessments of ED complementarity in planning new targeted biological surveys.
Efficient detection of single nucleotide variants in targeted genomic loci
Authors: Sone Ryota , Fujimaki Saori , Kawahara Atsuo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSingle nucleotide variants (SNVs), including single nucleotide polymorphisms, are often associated with morphological and/or physiological abnormalities in various organisms. Targeted genomic DNA can be amplified and directly sequenced to detect these mutations, but this method is relatively time consuming and expensive. We recently established the heteroduplex mobility assay to detect genetic mutations as an easy, low‐cost method in genome editing, but detecting such small genetic differences remains difficult. Here, we developed a new, simple method to detect single nucleotide changes in the zebrafish genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis. We first designed a specific single stranded DNA with four tandem guanine nucleotides inserted beside the mutation site, called guanine‐inserted primer (GIP). When reannealing, hybridized complexes of GIP and PCR amplicons with or without 1‐bp‐mutated alleles form different bulge structures, presumably leading to different mobilities on a polyacrylamide gel. This GIP‐interacting mobility assay is easy to use; therefore, it could contribute to the detection of SNVs in any organism.
Do prosecutors induce the innocent to plead guilty?
Authors: Lundberg Alexander 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe implications of a strategic model of plea bargaining are threefold. First, plea bargaining unequivocally increases wrongful convictions. Next, partial bans on plea bargaining reduce the frequency of wrongful convictions, and the reduction rises with the strength of the ban. Lastly, police share an important role in minimizing wrongful convictions.
Measuring the scale of envelope wages: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Kośny Marek , Sawulski Jakub , Kiełczewska Aneta 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe develop a methodology for measuring the scale of the unregistered wages paid to staff by employers. We show that the differences in earnings distribution between public‐ and private‐sector employees are not reflected in the distribution of expenditure. Assuming that public‐sector employees do not receive unreported income, this points to undisclosed income in the private sector. After showing that the distribution of income from non‐wage sources does not systematically depend on the sector, we argue that the differences may be attributed to envelope wages. We estimate that 10%–11% of employees in Poland receive envelope wages, which account for around 5% of total earnings.