bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interplay of poverty, remittances and human capital development: Panel evidence from selected Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Aregbeshola Rafiu Adewale 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe positive effects of remittances on various macroeconomic indicators have been documented in literature. While a few studies investigated these effects on poverty alleviation, a few others have focused on access to technology and education. However, most of the studies deploy single indicator, while a few others concentrated on specific countries. This study improves on literature by deploying composite index, to examine the effects of remittances on human capital development in selected 18 African countries. The study found that remittances improve the joint measures of human capital development, and its effects on access to education were meaningful. The study thus suggests optimal utilisation of remittances and fiscal stabilisation to leverage the effects of remittances in improving quality of lives in the recipient countries.
Automated information extraction from free‐text medical documents for stroke key performance indicators: a pilot study
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Gluck Sam , Koblar Simon , Jannes Jim , Kleinig Timothy 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAutomated information extraction might be able to assist with the collection of stroke key performance indicators (KPI). The feasibility of using natural language processing for classification‐based KPI and datetime field extraction was assessed. Using free‐text discharge summaries, random forest models achieved high levels of performance in classification tasks (area under the receiver operator curve 0.95–1.00). The datetime field extraction method was successful in 29 of 43 (67.4%) cases. Further studies are indicated.
Is there a ‘weekend effect’ on mortality among hospitalised patients in an internal medicine ward? A retrospective study
Authors: Lavie Inbar , Lavie Michael , Dayan Ofek , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Yahav Dafna , Kozlovski Dror , Avni Tomer 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated a ‘weekend effect’ and a ‘night effect’ of increased mortality among patients admitted during weekends or night shifts, presumably due to understaffing.AimsTo examine whether death during hospitalisation follows a similar effect regardless of admission time.MethodsA retrospective cohort study among deceased patients hospitalised in the internal medicine wing of a tertiary medical centre in Israel, between 2019 and 2020. Demographic and medical data were retrieved from electronic medical charts. Causes of death were specifically categorised. We applied statistical models to test for differences in mortality using incidence rate ratio (IRR) according to the day, time and cause of death.ResultsOne thousand, two hundred and seventy‐eight deceased patients were included. All‐cause mortality was similar between weekends and weekdays. When sepsis was the cause of death, higher IRR were demonstrated on Fridays in comparison with weekdays (IRR 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.9; P < 0.05). Other causes of death were not consistent with a ‘weekend effect’. Mortality during night shifts was higher in comparison with the afternoon (IRR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3–4.7) and similar to the morning (IRR 1; 95% CI 0.9–1.2).ConclusionOur study did not find a pattern of ‘weekend effect’ or ‘night effect’ on all‐cause mortality among hospitalised patients in internal medicine wards. Our findings suggest that perhaps specifically death from sepsis, and not all‐cause mortality, can be used as a surrogate for the measurement of understaffing or quality of care in the internal ward.
Short‐ and long‐term consequences of collaboration between Northern European Red dairy and dual‐purpose cattle
Authors: Schmidtmann Christin , Slagboom Margot , Sørensen Anders Christian , Hinrichs Dirk , Thaller Georg , Kargo Morten 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn Northern European countries, a great variety of Red cattle populations exists which can be broadly categorized in two groups: specialized dairy and dual‐purpose breeds. Collaboration between these breeds (i.e. the exchange of sires across breeds) can be beneficial but is limited so far. The aim of this study was to demonstrate and evaluate consequences of collaboration between Red breeds using stochastic simulations. Two breeding lines (dairy type and dual purpose) were simulated. As a special aspect of this study, differences in genetic levels of breeding traits (milk production, beef production, mastitis resistance, fertility, feed efficiency) have been taken into account. Various scenarios were investigated where across‐breed selection was either restricted or allowed and with different correlations between breeding goals in the two lines. The results of this study were influenced by the different genetic levels in breeding traits only in the first years of simulation. In the long run, the breed differences did not affect the degree of collaboration between lines. When the correlation between breeding goals was close to unity, the selection of external bulls was highly beneficial in terms of genetic gain and total monetary gain. Additionally, the lowest rate of inbreeding was found in that case. With decreasing correlations between environments, degree of cooperation between lines rapidly terminated and lines operated individually. In last years of simulation, cooperation was only found when the correlation between breeding goals was close to unity. From a long‐term perspective, the exchange of breeding sires across lines also caused negative effects. In the dual‐purpose line, deterioration of genetic gain in mastitis resistance and fertility was observed. Additionally, breeding lines genetically converged, which decreased genetic diversity. Collectively, short‐term benefits and long‐term negative effects have to be reconciled if collaboration between Red breeds in Northern Europe is to be pursued.
A mean‐field game approach to equilibrium pricing in solar renewable energy certificate markets
Authors: Shrivats Arvind V. , Firoozi Dena , Jaimungal Sebastian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSolar renewable energy certificate (SREC) markets are a market‐based system that incentivizes solar energy generation. A regulatory body overseeing load serving entities imposes a lower bound on the amount of energy each regulated firm must generate via solar means, providing them with a tradeable certificate for each MWh generated. Firms seek to navigate the market optimally by modulating their SREC generation and trading rates. As such, the SREC market can be viewed as a stochastic game, where agents interact through the SREC price. We study this stochastic game by solving the mean‐field game (MFG) limit with subpopulations of heterogeneous agents. Market participants optimize costs accounting for trading frictions, cost of generation, nonlinear noncompliance costs, and generation uncertainty. Moreover, we endogenize SREC price through market clearing. We characterize firms' optimal controls as the solution of McKean–Vlasov (MV) forward‐backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) and determine the equilibrium SREC price. We establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution to this MV‐FBSDE, and prove that the MFG strategies form an ‐Nash equilibrium for the finite player game. Finally, we develop a numerical scheme for solving the MV‐FBSDEs and conduct a simulation study.
Experimental functional shift–induced osteoarthritis‐like changes at the TMJ and altered integrin expression in a rat model
Authors: Zou Yuchun , Cai Senxin , Lin Hanyu , Cai Jingwen , Zheng Da‐Li , Lu You‐Guang , Xu Linyu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMandibular deviation affects the biomechanical environment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and causes thinning of cartilage on the deviated side. We aimed to evaluate, using a rat model, the effect of mandibular functional deviation on the TMJ in relation to the functional roles of integrin β family members. The effects of experimental functional deviation on the TMJ of 6‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley female rats, randomly assigned to control (n = 42) and experimental groups (n = 42), were evaluated at 3 days and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks by histological staining, immunofluorescence, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and micro‐computed tomography. The results showed that the experimental functional shift changed the shape of condyles, thinned the cartilage, and increased the proportion of the hypertrophic layer on the deviated sides of condyles. In addition, the extracellular matrix of the condyle cartilage exhibited degradation at 1 week and subchondral trabecular bone was lost at 4 and 8 weeks. Osteoarthritis (OA)‐like changes occurred in the left and right condyles of rats in the experimental group and were aggravated over time. Integrin β family expression, especially integrin β2, was altered from week 1, possibly related to the OA‐like changes. These data may provide insight into the onset of TMJ OA.
ALDH3A1 overexpression in OSCC inhibits inflammation via phospho‐Ser727 at STAT3 in tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Wang Boyuan , He Ying , Wang Bin , Li Jing , Qin Lizheng 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesCancer‐related inflammation (CRI) significantly increases the difficulty of treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and remains a major treatment challenge. Our objective was to determine whether tumor ALDH3A1 could attenuate OSCC tumorigenesis by inhibiting tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) that promoted CRI.Materials and MethodsALDH3A1 in Cal27 cells was overexpressed, and the tumor‐conditioned medium (TCM) was collected. We induced THP‐1 cells with TCM and recombinant human IL‐6. The phosphorylation of STAT3 and the TLR4/TRAF6/TBK1 cascade reaction in TAMs was analyzed using Western blotting, and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production was measured using a MitoSox kit. A tumorigenicity assay was performed to examine the tumor volume and weight, and the expression of CD68, CD11b, IL‐6, Ki67, and CD31 was analyzed via immunohistochemistry.ResultsALDH3A1 attenuated STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 rapidly and mtROS production earlier in TAMs via inhibiting TLR4/TRAF6/TBK1 cascade reaction. MtROS reduction inhibited IL‐1β and IL‐8 secretions by NLRP3/caspase‐1/IL‐1β/IL‐8 pathway. Meanwhile, the inhibition of pro‐tumor phenotypes of TAMs, tumor proliferation, and tumor angiogenesis during the process was proved in vivo.ConclusionALDH3A1 was associated closely with CRI and inhibited CRI regulated by TAMs. This finding may achieve clinical transformation and open new therapeutic options for targeting CRI regulated by TAMs.
Risk factors for the development of Spitz neoplasms
Authors: Benton Sarah , Roth Andrew , Khan Ayesha U. , Zhao Jeffrey , Kim Daniel , Compres Elsy V. , Wagner Annette M. , Kruse Lacey L. , Zhang Bin , Gerami Pedram 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe principal environmental risk factor for conventional nevi and melanomas is ultraviolet exposure. However, little is known about genetic or environmental risk factors for developing Spitz tumors. This study investigates risk factors associated with Spitz neoplasms.MethodsPatients with Spitz tumors seen at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lurie Children's Hospital were surveyed with a 16‐item questionnaire about environmental and inherited factors. Spitz tumor patients were compared to a pediatric control cohort from a similar clinical setting. This was supplemented with a meta‐analysis of genetic and environmental causes of Spitz neoplasms.ResultsOne hundred and six Spitz and 58 control surveys were obtained and no statistically significant differences in genetic or environmental risk factors were found between Spitz and control groups.ConclusionOur data and meta‐analysis suggest that typical risk factors associated with melanoma are not significantly associated with Spitz tumors. Identification of relevant genetic or environmental risk factors will likely require larger and population‐based studies.
Photobiomodulation Therapy Minimizes the DNA Damage in 5FU‐Treated Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Rosin Flávia Cristina Perillo , Novaes Cristina de Paula , dos Santos Anaeliza Figueiredo , Deboni Maria Cristina Zindel , Corrêa Luciana 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT5‐Fluoroufacil (5FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent indicated for solid tumors but causes oral mucositis, which can be prevented and treated using photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). It is unknown whether PBMT modifies DNA damage induced by 5FU in oral cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PBMT on DNA damage and repair and on oxidative stress in gingival fibroblasts exposed to 5FU. Primary gingival fibroblasts were exposed to 5FU and then treated with a laser (660 nm, 100 mW, 1 W cm−2, 0.09 cm2 spot area) for three different irradiation times (6, 10 or 20 s). Six‐second irradiation decreased DNA damage and lipidic peroxidation. All irradiated groups showed low H2AX levels and increased p53 expression. Ten‐second irradiation showed a trend to induce high lipidic peroxidation levels and DNA damage than other irradiation groups. In conclusion, the PBMT effect on DNA damage and repair was dependent on the time irradiation: 6 s‐time irradiation (6.6 J cm−2) protect gingival fibroblasts from 5FU‐related genotoxicity and oxidative stress, whereas 10s‐ and 20s‐time irradiations (11.1 J cm−2 and 22.2 J cm−2, respectively) increased the risk of DNA damage after the 5FU exposure.
Dynamic analysis of a stochastic eco‐epidemiological model with disease in predators
Authors: Zhang Shengqiang , Yuan Sanling , Zhang Tonghua 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIt is widely accepted that epidemics in biological populations and stochasticity in the environments are two important components significantly influencing the real ecosystems. To more accurately reveal developmental changes of the population dynamics and explore effective control methods for infectious disease, in this paper, we first construct a stochastic eco‐epidemiological model with disease in predators, and mathematically analyze the fundamental properties of the model. Then, we establish sufficient criterion for the existence of a unique ergodic stationary distribution of the positive solution. Also, we derive sufficient conditions, respectively, for three different extinction scenarios of populations: (i) The predators go extinct, only the prey persists; (ii) both the predators and prey go extinct; and (iii) the disease is eradicated from the system, both the predators and prey persist. Finally, we perform some numerical simulations under different interferences of environment to illustrate the main theoretical results. Especially, we observe that once the disease is eradicated from the system, then the predators and prey will coexist in an oscillatory manner. Our research indicates that the environmental noises have significant impacts on the determination of the persistence and extinction of the disease and populations.
A comparison of perceptions of caring behaviours among women in homelessness, Registered Nurses and nursing students
Authors: Gaber Sophie Nadia , Klarare Anna , Mattsson Elisabet , Rosenblad Andreas Karlsson 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe population of women in homelessness in Europe is increasing and women in homelessness experience multiple healthcare needs. However, there is insufficient understanding about how perceptions of caring behaviours compare between women in homelessness as patients and nurses in their clinical practice.AimThis study aimed to investigate perceptions of caring behaviours among women in homelessness, Registered Nurses and nursing students.MethodsA cross‐sectional design was used with convenience sampling to recruit groups of women in homelessness (n = 37), Registered Nurses (n = 92) and nursing students (n = 142) in Stockholm, Sweden. Between August 2019 and December 2020, data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews or online, using the Caring Behaviours Inventory‐24 instrument. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and group‐comparing hypothesis tests.ResultsOverall, women in homelessness’ perceptions of caring behaviours were significantly lower than nursing students (p < 0.001), who in turn scored significantly lower than Registered Nurses (p < 0.001). The Knowledge and Skill domain had the highest score, and the Connectedness domain had the lowest score in all three groups. The ranking of the individual items according to score varied between the groups. However, all three groups had the highest score for the Knowing how to give shots, IVs, etc., item and the lowest score for the Helping the patient to grow item.ConclusionHealthcare providers and nurse educators should consider incongruences and congruences in caring behaviours to better prepare Registered Nurses and nursing students to contribute to increased health equity, and more targeted clinical practice for women in homelessness.
Impact of antimicrobial stewardship intervention in clean and clean‐contaminated surgical procedures at a Vietnamese national hospital
Authors: Phan Quyen Thi Ngoc , Le Thanh Dinh , Do Que Kim , Pham Hien Thi Thu , Tran Mai Thi Phuong , Vo Thong Duy , Le Lam Van , Nguyen Thanh Minh , Tran Nhu Quynh , Nguyen Nhi Truc Y. , Nguyen Hai Thanh , Bui Quynh Thi Huong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesWe investigated the characteristics of prophylactic antimicrobial use in clean and clean‐contaminated surgical procedures and assessed the efficacy of a prophylactic antimicrobial stewardship intervention at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 354 patients who underwent either clean or clean‐contaminated surgical procedures at Thong Nhat Hospital. Eligible patients were classified with respect to three periods of intervention from 2017 to 2020. Data collection included surgical procedures, patient characteristics, and prophylactic antimicrobial usage. We determined the efficacy of antimicrobial stewardship intervention based on comparisons among the primary outcome (the appropriateness of prophylactic antimicrobials) and secondary outcomes (postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (AP) prolongation, length of postoperative hospital stay, and cost of antimicrobials).ResultsThe mean age of patients in periods 1, 2, and 3 was 54.5 ± 16.6, 50.2 ± 16.5, and 52.8 ± 17.3 years, respectively, with an overall male/female ratio of 1.1/1. No significant differences were detected in basic patient characteristics during the three periods. Majority of the surgical procedures were clean (56%–59%) and scheduled (85%–86%). Prophylactic antimicrobial stewardship intervention enhanced AP appropriateness (by 12.7%, 12.7%, and 39.0% in periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively, p < 0.001), decreased postoperative prophylactic antimicrobial duration [3.0 (0–6), 1.5 (0–5), and 0.0 (0–1) days, respectively, p < 0.001], and reduced average antimicrobial expenses (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe prophylactic antimicrobial stewardship interventions introduced at Thong Nhat Hospital had several positive impacts on the appropriateness of prophylactic antimicrobial use and treatment costs.
Most students have experience making radiographs prior to veterinary school but have limited radiation safety training
Authors: Jensen Monica , Hewson Joanne , Chalmers Heather , Jones‐Bitton Andria , Singh Ameet 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe use of radiation for the diagnosis of various medical conditions is ubiquitous in veterinary medicine, and manual restraint of a patient during X‐ray exposure has become commonplace. Many prospective veterinary students have been involved with radiographs in general practice prior to veterinary school. Their experiences and level of safety training are largely unknown. This prospective survey study involved two web‐based questionnaires that were used to evaluate the experiences, knowledge, and attitudes toward radiation and how these changed following a radiation safety lecture as part of their first‐year curriculum. The questionnaires were distributed to 122 first‐year veterinary students before and after this lecture. All participating students (100%) had worked in a veterinary hospital prior to admission to veterinary school and 79% were involved in making radiographs; however, only 28% reported receiving radiation safety training. The content of the safety training reported was variable. After the radiation safety lecture, students were more likely to report that the radiation safety training they had received was useful, but fewer students reported feelings of safety when using radiation. Despite most students being involved with radiation in practice, few had received radiation safety training, as hypothesized. Contrary to our second hypothesis, a single lecture did significantly improve knowledge and attitudes in several, but not all, instances. Importantly, once students gained knowledge regarding radiation, they placed more importance on its safe use. These results suggest that in‐clinic training of students in radiation safety is insufficient and that lecture‐based training is useful for certain concepts.
Associations between styloid process sheath CT sizes and age, body weight, and breed in horses
Authors: Whitty Justin A. , Miller Allison V. , Miller Andrew D. , Carney Patrick C. , Scrivani Peter V. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe styloid process sheath (SPS) is a part of the tympanic temporal bone and an incomplete bony sleeve surrounding the styloid process, tympanohyoid cartilage, and dorsal part of the stylohyoid bone. In horses undergoing head CT, we observed a range of SPS sizes and questioned whether differences were early features of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) or normal anatomic variations associated with age, body weight, sex, or breed. We hypothesized that SPS sizes were positively correlated with age and body weight, but not with sex or breed. Using a convenience population of horses that underwent head CT at our institution (2008–2017), regardless of THO status, we investigated these hypotheses in a retrospective cross‐sectional study. The sample comprised 102 horses. The median SPS height was larger medially (4.3 mm) than laterally (2.4 mm) and the median width was 11.1 mm: no difference was detected between sides. Geldings had a significantly larger median SPS width (11.6 mm) than stallions (8.7 mm; P < 0.05) and mares (10.0 mm; P < 0.05). No association was detected between SPS sizes and body weight and breed. Univariate and multivariate analyses initially found significant associations between SPS heights and age. Secondary analyses performed following removal of outliers and horses <2‐years old found similar but less pronounced results (annual increase in SPS heights decreased from 3.2‐3.8% to 0.9‐2.6%). Most associations were insignificant when investigated by age group, but the annual rate of increased size might be faster in older horses. Excessive SPS enlargement was theorized as an essential component of THO.