bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor combinations in first‐line metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer setting: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sayyid Rashid K. , Klaassen Zachary , Berlin Alejandro , Roy Soumyajit , Brandão Leonardo R. , Bernardino Rui , Chavarriaga Julian , Jiang Di Maria , Spratt Daniel E. , Fleshner Neil E. , Wallis Christopher J.D.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To compare radiographic progression‐free survival (rPFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) among patients with metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving a combination of first‐line poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) plus androgen receptor axis‐targeted agents (ARAT) vs placebo/ARAT.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review/meta‐analysis of all published Phase III randomised controlled trials using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane (inception until 6 June 2023). Published full‐text manuscripts and conference abstracts were inclusion eligible. Study selection/data extraction were independently performed by two authors. The Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias 2 Tool was used, and certainty of evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risks, with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), were generated using random‐effects models.

Results

Three trials were identified: PROpel, MAGNITUDE, and TALAPRO‐2. Compared to placebo/ARAT, the PARPi/ARAT combination was associated with a 35% rPFS improvement in the overall cohort (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56–0.76), with 68%, 45%, and 26% improvements in the BReast CAncer gene 1/gene 2 (BRCA1/2)‐mutated (BRCA1/2m; P < 0.001), homologous recombination repair‐mutated (HRRm; P < 0.001), and non‐HRRm cohorts (P = 0.003), respectively. OS data maturity ranged from 31% to 48%, with overall cohort OS data unavailable from MAGNITUDE. The PROpel/TALAPRO‐2 pooled analysis demonstrated a 16% OS improvement in the overall cohort (HR 0.84, 95 CI 0.72–0.98; P = 0.02). OS in the HRRm (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61–0.95) and the BRCA1/2m cohorts (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.18–1.56) were improved, with a higher effect magnitude compared to the overall cohort. This combination was associated with a 45% relative risk increase in Grade ≥3 TEAEs, including 6.22‐fold for Grade ≥3 anaemia (31.9% vs 4.9%).

Conclusions

The addition of PARPi to ARAT in the first‐line mCRPC setting is associated with rPFS benefits across subgroups, with the greatest magnitude of benefit in BRCA1/2m patients. OS benefits remain inconsistent irrespective of HRRm status, with significant increases in Grade ≥3 TEAEs, particularly anaemia. Currently, we suggest this combined approach be selectively offered to HRRm patients, preferentially BRCA1/2m.
Treatment with inhaled antibiotics in bronchiectasis, side effects, and evaluation of the tolerance test; analysis from the BATTLE randomized controlled trial
Authors: Terpstra Lotte C. , van der Geest Daphne , Bronsveld Inez , Heijerman Harry , Boersma Wim G.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) is a treatment option for patients with frequent exacerbations of bronchiectasis. A possible side effect of TIS is the development of chronic cough and bronchospasm, whereby the guidelines suggest a (in hospital) tolerance test with the first dose of TIS. However, data on respiratory adverse events are not consistent. In the present analysis from the BATTLE study (NCT02657473), we evaluated the added value of the tolerance test and aimed to observe the development of inhaled treatment related bronchial hyperreactivity.

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients from the BATTLE study were analyzed. Patients were randomized to receive TIS or placebo OD for 1 year. A tolerance test was performed with spirometry measurements before and after the first dose and with a bronchodilator in advance. Adverse events were strictly monitored.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients (100%) passed the tolerance test with no decrease in spirometry measurements or development of local intolerability. During the study treatment, a total of five TIS‐treated patients (17.8%) withdrew due to airway hyperresponsiveness after a mean of 9.2 (SD13.9) weeks and one placebo‐treated patient (3.5%) after 2 weeks (TIS vs. placebo; p = 0.66). The other TIS‐related adverse events were not clinically significant.

Conclusion

The use of inhaled medication is well tolerated in the heterogenous bronchiectasis population, without signs of airway hyperresponsiveness after the first dose of inhaled medication. From this observation, it can be concluded that there is no additional value for this advised tolerance test. However, closely monitoring on adverse effects during the first weeks after starting TIS is recommended.
Exploration of smart adherence‐monitoring methods in vitamin D‐deficient patients: A pilot feasibility clinical study
Authors: Huh Ki Young , Lee Hwiwon , Lee SeungHwan , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Kim Kyung Hwan , Kim Heejin
Published: July 2023

Treatment adherence is an underestimated determinant of treatment success. Poor treatment adherence can also affect the efficacy of clinical trials. A combination of multiple adherence‐monitoring methods is required to ensure robustness. We investigated whether multiple adherence‐monitoring methods, including a novel smartwatch‐based monitoring method, would yield reliable and concordant results. In this open, randomized, decentralized clinical trial, vitamin D‐deficient individuals were randomized to an App − only group (an electronic medication diary) or an App + Watch group (i.e., App and smartwatch‐based monitoring) groups after a week run‐in period. The participants received vitamin D supplements (1000 IU) for 12 weeks (two consecutive periods of 6 weeks) with two pill counts (at the sixth week) and biweekly blood samplings for serum 25(OH) vitamin D concentration. Adherence was assessed and compared between the methods. Sixteen participants were enrolled, of which 13 completed the study. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels comparably increased in both groups until the first 7 weeks but trended higher in the App + Watch group in the second period. The number of doses recorded by the pill count and App did not differ significantly between the run‐in and Period 1 (p = 0.5534) but became significantly discrepant in Period 2 (p = 0.0225). In contrast, the concordance for smartwatch‐based monitoring was consistent in either period (p = 0.5898 and p = 0.5839, respectively). We explored multiple adherence‐monitoring methods in this pilot feasibility clinical study. Smartwatch‐based adherence monitoring may be an objective and sensitive method for measuring treatment adherence.
canaper: Categorical analysis of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism in R
Authors: Nitta Joel H. , Laffan Shawn W. , Mishler Brent D. , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: July 2023

Biodiversity has typically been quantified using species richness, but this ignores evolutionary history. Due to the increasing availability of robust phylogenies, methods have been developed that incorporate phylogenetic relationships into quantification of biodiversity. CANAPE (categorical analysis of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism) is one such method that can provide insight into the evolutionary processes generating biodiversity. The only currently available software implementing CANAPE is Biodiverse, which is written in Perl and can be used either through a graphical user interface (GUI) or user‐developed scripts. However, many researchers, particularly in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, use the R programming language to conduct their analyses. Here, we present canaper, a new R package (www.r‐project.org) that provides functions to conduct CANAPE in R. canaper implements methods for efficient computation, including parallelization and encoding of community data as sparse matrices. The interface is designed for maximum simplicity and reproducibility; CANAPE can be conducted with two functions, and parallel computing can be enabled with one line of code. Our case study shows that canaper produces equivalent results to Biodiverse and can complete computations on moderately sized datasets quickly (<10 min to reproduce a canonical study). canaper allows researchers to conduct all analyses from data import and cleaning through CANAPE within R, thereby obviating the need to manually import and export data and analysis results between programs. We anticipate canaper will become a part of the toolkit for analyzing biodiversity in R.
Tree biomass does not correlate with soil carbon stocks in forest‐tundra ecotones along a 1100 km latitudinal gradient in Norway
Authors: Devos Claire Céline , Ohlson Mikael , Næsset Erik , Klanderud Kari , Bollandsås Ole Martin
Published: July 2023

Due to climate warming, forests are expanding to higher elevations and latitudes at the expense of tundra vegetation. While the subsequent increase in aboveground biomass is well‐documented, there is much speculation regarding the effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. To provide insight into the consequences of tree encroachment into treeless tundra, we sampled SOC stocks across 36 forest‐tundra ecotones along a 1100 km latitudinal gradient in Norway. Our results show that SOC stocks vary greatly within, as well as among treeline ecotones, and that SOC stocks do not correlate with tree biomass and tree species. SOC stocks do increase with temperature, and vary with slope steepness, slope aspect, and soil parent material. Applying a ‘space‐for‐time substitution' perspective, our findings suggest that tree encroachment into tundra is unlikely to have immediate consequences for SOC stocks.
RotaRod and acoustic startle reflex performance of two potential mouse models for Meniere's disease
Authors: Babu Vidya , Bahari Rose , Laban Nora , Kulaga Jacob , Abdul Zahid , Zakkar Basil , Al‐Najjar Ahmad , Lesus Joseph , Al‐Rifai Abd‐al‐Rahman , Sattar Heba , Irukulla Suhitha , Gunniya Pranav , Requena Teresa , Lysakowski Anna
Published: July 2023

Meniere's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by chronic episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, increased aural pressure, and sensorineural hearing loss. Causes of MD are unknown, but endolymphatic hydrops is a hallmark. In addition, 5%–15% of MD cases have been identified as familial. Whole‐genome sequencing studies of individuals with familial MD identified DTNA and FAM136A as candidate genes for autosomal dominant inheritance of MD. Although the exact roles of these genes in MD are unknown, FAM136A encodes a mitochondrial protein, and DTNA encodes a cytoskeletal protein involved in synapse formation and maintenance, important for maintaining the blood–brain barrier. It is also associated with a particular aquaporin. We tested vestibular and auditory function in dtna and fam136a knockout (KO) mice, using RotaRod and startle reflex‐based clicker tests, respectively. Three‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that sex, age, and genotype were significantly correlated with reduced mean latencies to fall (“latencies”) for male dtna KO mice, while only age was a significant factor for fam136a KO mice. Fam136a KO mice lost their hearing months before WTs (9–11 months vs. 15–20 months). In male dtna KO mice, divergence in mean latencies compared with other genotypes was first evident at 4 months of age, with older males having an even greater decrease. Our results indicate that fam136a gene mutations generate hearing problems, while dtna gene mutations produce balance deficits. Both mouse models should help to elucidate hearing loss and balance‐related symptoms associated with MD.
The role of sympathetic innervation in neonatal muscle growth and neuromuscular contractures
Authors: Runkel Mason T. , Tarabishi Albaraa , Shay‐Winkler Kritton , Emmert Marianne E. , Goh Qingnian , Cornwall Roger
Published: July 2023

Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI), a leading cause of pediatric upper limb paralysis, results in disabling and incurable muscle contractures that are driven by impaired longitudinal growth of denervated muscles. A rare form of NBPI, which maintains both afferent and sympathetic muscle innervation despite motor denervation, protects against contractures. We have previously ruled out a role for NRG/ErbB signaling, the predominant pathway governing antegrade afferent neuromuscular transmission, in modulating the formation of contractures. Our current study therefore investigated the contributions of sympathetic innervation of skeletal muscle in modulating NBPI‐induced contractures. Through chemical sympathectomy and pharmacologic modification with a β2‐adrenergic agonist, we discovered that sympathetic innervation alone is neither required nor sufficient to modulate contracture formation in neonatal mice. Despite this, sympathetic innervation plays an intriguing sex‐specific role in mediating neonatal muscle growth, as the cross‐sectional area (CSA) and volume of normally innervated male muscles were diminished by ablation of sympathetic neurons and increased by β‐adrenergic stimulation. Intriguingly, the robust alterations in CSA occurred with minimal changes to normal longitudinal muscle growth as determined by sarcomere length. Instead, β‐adrenergic stimulation exacerbated sarcomere overstretch in denervated male muscles, indicating potentially discrete regulation of muscle width and length. Future investigations into the mechanistic underpinnings of these distinct aspects of muscle growth are thus essential for improving clinical outcomes in patients affected by muscle disorders in which both length and width are affected.
A review on isothermal rotating bending fatigue failure: Microstructural and lifetime modeling of wrought and additive manufactured alloys
Authors: Behvar Alireza , Berto Fillipo , Haghshenas Meysam
Published: July 2023

The cumulative effect of many incidents that are brought about by an increase in temperature establishes an environment in which premature failure (including fatigue failure) becomes a challenging issue. Isothermal rotating bending fatigue (IT‐RBF) testing may simulate industrial components' high temperatures and rotating environments. This state‐of‐the‐art review paper covers the current research on IT‐RBF failure in wrought and additive‐manufactured alloys, focusing on microstructural and lifetime models. The article emphasizes the need of using microstructural information in fatigue life models to better represent complex material structure‐failure behavior associations. Additive‐manufactured alloys contain unique microstructural characteristics and processing‐induced defects making fatigue modeling difficult. The paper concludes with implications for industrial fatigue‐resistant alloy development. It emphasizes the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates materials science, mechanics, and data science to optimize these materials under cyclic loads. The review concludes by proposing future research and innovation in this subject.
Patterns of ethanol intake in male rats with partial dopamine transporter deficiency
Authors: Kuiper L. B. , Roberts J. B. , Estave P. M. , Leo D. , Gainetdinov R. R. , Jones S. R.
Published: July 2023

Mesolimbic dopamine signaling plays a major role in alcohol and substance use disorders as well as comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Growing evidence suggests that alcohol drinking is modulated by the function of the dopamine transporter (DAT), which tightly regulates extracellular dopamine concentrations. Adult male rats on a Wistar Han background (DAT+/+) and rats with a partial DAT deletion (DAT+/−) were used in this study. First, using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in brain slices containing the nucleus accumbens core from ethanol‐naïve subjects, we measured greater evoked dopamine concentrations and slower dopamine reuptake in DAT+/− rats, consistent with increased dopamine signaling. Next, we measured ethanol drinking using the intermittent access two‐bottle choice paradigm (20% v/v ethanol vs. water) across 5 weeks. DAT+/− rats voluntarily consumed less ethanol during its initial availability (the first 30 min), especially after longer periods of deprivation. In addition, DAT+/− males consumed less ethanol that was adulterated with the bitter tastant quinine. These findings suggest that partial DAT blockade and concomitant increase in brain dopamine levels has potential to reduce drinking and ameliorate alcohol use disorder (AUD).
A generalized framework to expand incomplete phylogenies using non‐molecular phylogenetic information
Authors: Ramos‐Gutiérrez Ignacio , Lima Herlander , Vilela Bruno , Molina‐Venegas Rafael
Published: July 2023

Aim

The increasing availability of molecular information has lifted our understanding of species evolutionary relationships to unprecedent levels. However, current estimates of the world's biodiversity suggest that about a fifth of all extant species are yet to be described, and we still lack molecular information for many of the known species. Hence, evolutionary biologists will have to tackle phylogenetic uncertainty for a long time to come. This prospect has urged the development of software to expand phylogenies based on non‐molecular phylogenetic information, and while the available tools provide some valuable features, major drawbacks persist and some of the proposed solutions are hardly generalizable to any group of organisms.

Innovation

Here, we present a completely generalized and flexible framework to expand incomplete phylogenies. The framework is implemented in the R package “randtip”, a toolkit of functions that was designed to randomly bind phylogenetically uncertain taxa in backbone phylogenies through a fully customizable and automatic procedure that uses taxonomic ranks as a major source of phylogenetic information. Although randtip can generate fully operative phylogenies for any group of organisms using just a list of species and a backbone tree, we stress that the “blind” expansion of phylogenies using “quick‐and‐dirty” approaches often leads to suboptimal solutions. Thus, we discuss a variety of circumstances that may require customizing simulation parameters beyond default settings to optimally expand the trees, including a detailed step‐by‐step tutorial that was designed to provide guidelines to non‐specialist users.

Main Conclusions

Phylogenetic uncertainty should be tackled with caution, assessing potential pitfalls and opportunities to optimize parameter space prior to launch any simulation. Used judiciously, our framework will help evolutionary biologists to efficiently expand incomplete phylogenies and thereby account for phylogenetic uncertainty in quantitative analyses.
(Bi0.5Na0.5)(Zr0.97W0.01Fe0.02)O3 doping effects on KNN‐based lead‐free ceramics prepared via two‐step sintering technique
Authors: Li Wanji , Fang Bijun , Lu Xiaolong , Zhang Shuai , Ding Jianning
Published: July 2023

(1‐x)(Li0.02Na0.5K0.48)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3‐x(Bi0.5Na0.5)(Zr0.97W0.01Fe0.02)O3 (LNKNbS‐xBiNZWF, x = 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, and 0.055) lead‐free piezoceramics were fabricated by traditional solid‐state sintering method via two‐step sintering technique, where the effects of BiNZWF doping amount and ceramic processing were studied systematically. The formation of orthorhombic‐tetragonal (O‐T) phase boundary in the LNKNbS‐xBiNZWF system is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopy, where the BiNZWF doping amount affects the O‐T phase proportion. The LNKNbS‐xBiNZWF ceramics approach to normal ferroelectrics but have apparent relaxation characteristic. Oxygen vacancies dominate the high‐temperature conduction in the LNKNbS‐0.04BiNZWF ceramics, which are generated by the volatilization of Bi and alkali metals during sintering. The LNKNbS‐0.04BiNZWF ceramics exhibit excellent electrical properties, correlating with using the two‐step sintering method, appropriate proportion of O phase and T phase, high densification and improved microstructure uniformity.
Colonic cytomegalovirus DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction does not influence outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease and immunosuppressed cohorts
Authors: Nguyen Paul , Shrestha Atul , Sane Nikhita , Abeywickrama Dilini , Holt Darcy Q. , Bell Sally , Moore Gregory , Goldberg Rimma
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is associated with negative outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunosuppressed cohorts and therefore requires timely recognition for appropriate management. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic tools for CMV colitis and their associations with clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients in a metropolitan health service with colonic samples analysed for CMV between 2012 and 2022, stratified into IBD and non‐IBD groups, was performed. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of positive and negative results for each CMV test, as well as need for colectomy, use of antiviral and hospital length of stay.

Results

Five hundred eighty‐two biopsies from 418 patients were included; the median age was 36 years (interquartile range, 24–52 years) and 223 (53.3%) were men. Four hundred sixty‐one (79.2%) biopsies were from patients with IBD and 121 (20.8%) were from those without IBD. There were similar proportions of positive CMV histology (IBD 5.9% and non‐IBD 7.4%) and tissue CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the two groups (IBD 5.6% and non‐IBD 5.0%), but within each group, results were discordant. Positive CMV histology was significantly associated with need for colectomy in the IBD group, while positive tissue CMV PCR was not. Positive CMV histology, and tissue and serum CMV PCR were all significantly associated with antiviral use. Positive serum CMV PCR was significantly associated with colectomy.

Conclusions

Histopathology remains the most predictive tool in assessing CMV colitis, while qualitative tissue CMV PCR was found to have limited utility. Quantitative serum CMV PCR may be useful but requires further evaluation.
Predictors of severe and recurrent adult anaphylaxis, and gaps in the cascade of care: a retrospective, single‐centre study 2009–2018
Authors: Loprete Jacqueline , Montemayor Jonathan , Bramah Valerie , McEwan Callum , Richardson Robyn , Green Jessica , Carr Andrew , Tong Winnie
Published: July 2023

Background

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction. Understanding predictors of recurrent and severe anaphylaxis in adults, and identifying gaps in ongoing anaphylaxis care, is needed to minimise its impact.

Aims

To evaluate the risk factors in adults with severe and recurrent anaphylaxis presentations and to evaluate the management of patients in regard to the recommended cascade of care.

Methods

We completed a retrospective audit of adults with confirmed anaphylaxis who presented to an inner‐city emergency department from 1 January 2009 through 31 December 2018. Data recorded included demographics, background history, medication use, severity, co‐factors, triggers, management, discharge disposition and referral for follow‐up. Data were managed in REDCap and analysed using Stata. Associations were assessed through odds ratios (ORs) and t tests.

Results

Six hundred sixteen individuals had 689 episodes of anaphylaxis over the audit period. Age over 65 (OR: 5.4 (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.3–13.2), P < 0.0001) and history of asthma (OR: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.03–2.5), P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for severe anaphylaxis. History of food allergy (P < 0.001) and food as the trigger were associated with recurrent presentations (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–3.9, P = 0.01). Only 19% of patients met the recommended cascade of care, with post‐adrenaline monitoring and recommending follow‐up with an allergy specialist demonstrating the largest gaps. There were increased presentations with time but no difference in triggers or severity.

Conclusions

Increased age and asthma were identified as risk factors for severe presentations. History of food allergy was a risk factor for recurrent presentations. Further research is needed on the gaps in care for adults with anaphylaxis to identify the reasons why, so we can better care for these patients.
Factors influencing the transition of foreign‐educated nurses to the US healthcare setting: A systematic review
Authors: Thomas Joicy B. , Lee Mikyoung A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

This literature review examined the impact of the orientation or onboarding programs on the transition of foreign‐educated nurses to a US healthcare setting and factors influencing their transition.

Background

Recruitment of foreign‐educated nurses has been a solution to the ongoing nursing workforce shortage in the United States. However, they face various challenges in their transition to employment in the United States. Adequate orientation and continued support are needed for the successful transition of foreign‐educated nurses.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in 2022 across PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases. This review selected only articles published between 2015 and 2022 in English that addressed foreign‐educated nurses’ transition issues in US healthcare settings. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The quality of the articles was appraised using the John Hopkins Evidence‐based Practice tool.

Results

This review of 14 articles revealed that the quality of orientation and organizational support were positively associated with foreign‐educated nurses’ job satisfaction and turnover. Factors influencing foreign‐educated nurses’ transition included peer support, job assignment and workload, credentialing, communication and cultural adjustment, psychological factors, safety perceptions, work environment, and coping strategies.

Discussion

There was a lack of literature that evaluated orientation or onboarding programs for foreign‐educated nurses. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of supportive programs in promoting their smooth transition.

Implications for nursing practice and policy

Efficient onboarding or orientation programs and policies for foreign‐educated nurses are crucial, considering the factors influencing their transition. Good programs and policies that prioritize the support, integration, and professional development of FENs will help maximize their contributions to health care.
Inorganic remote glass film based on yellowish‐green (Y, Ba)3(Al, Si)5O12:Ce garnet phosphor for warm white LEDs
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Tu Huan , Zhao Guoying , Hou Jingshan , Liu Yufeng , Qiao Xin , Wang Zhongzhi , Li Bo , Li Ji‐Guang , Wang Feng , Fang Yongzheng
Published: July 2023

Compared with other fluorescent crystal phases, garnet has better structural stability in a glass matrix and renders precisely controllable emissions due to the abundant lattice control positions. In this work, we regulate the coordination field of Ce3+ ion based on the co‐substitution method and achieve the spectra regulation in the yellow–green range. We used Ba2+–Si4+ cations to replace Y3+–Al3+ cations in Y3Al5O12 (YAG) matrix to obtain blue‐shift of the emission peak from 552 to 539 nm. The centroid shift and crystal field splitting decrease with the decreasing covalency of the bond between the Ce3+ ion and the surrounding anions owing to the higher electronegativity of Si4+ ions than Al3+ ions. The corresponding fluorescent films were prepared by a low‐temperature co‐sintering process based on the as‐made Ba2+–Si4+ co‐substituted phosphor. X‐ray powder diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy images showed that the fluorescence crystals were less eroded and evenly dispersed in the glass matrix. Spectral analysis showed that the garnet phase was protected by using lead‐free borosilicate glass with a low melting point, and the quantum efficiency of phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) retains 98% of the corresponding phosphor. By adjusting the ratio of garnet phosphor to commercial red nitride phosphors, a warm white fluorescence with a color rendering index of 80.3 and color temperature of 3899 K was obtained. The prepared warm white film has potential application value in the whole spectra field.
Factors influencing outcomes of surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis: A secondary analysis of 1‐year results from a randomized clinical study
Authors: Ichioka Yuki , Trullenque‐Eriksson Anna , Ortiz‐Vigón Alberto , Guerrero Adrián , Donati Mauro , Bressan Eriberto , Ghensi Paolo , Schaller Dennis , Tomasi Cristiano , Karlsson Karolina , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Dionigi Carlotta , Regidor Erik , Berglundh Tord , Derks Jan
Published: July 2023

Aim

To identify predictors of treatment outcomes following surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing access flap with or without bone replacement graft. Outcomes at 12 months were probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), soft‐tissue recession (REC) and marginal bone level (MBL) change. Multilevel regression analyses were used to identify predictors. We also built an explanatory model for residual signs of inflammation.

Results

Baseline PPD was the most relevant predictor, showing positive associations with final PPD, REC and MBL gain, and negative association with probability of pocket closure. Smokers presented higher residual PPD. Absence of keratinized mucosa at baseline increased the probability of BOP but was otherwise not indicative of outcomes. Plaque at 6 weeks was detrimental in terms of residual PPD and BOP. Treatment allocation had an effect on REC. Final BOP was explained by residual PPD ≥6 mm and plaque at more than two sites.

Conclusions

Baseline PPD was the most relevant predictor of the outcomes of surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis. Pocket closure should be a primary goal of treatment. Bone replacement grafts may be indicated in aesthetically demanding cases to reduce soft‐tissue recession. The importance of smoking cessation and patient‐performed plaque control is also underlined.
Investigation of dietary exogenous protease and humic substance on growth, disease resistance to Flavobacterium covae and immune responses in juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Authors: Oladipupo Abdulmalik A. , Kelly Anita M. , Davis D. Allen , Bruce Timothy J.
Published: July 2023

Many bacterial pathogens impact the US catfish industry, and disease control can be challenging for producers. Columnaris disease in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is primarily caused by Flavobacterium covae (formerly F. columnare). Immunostimulants may enhance nonspecific immune responses and offer an alternative to antibiotic treatments in catfish. Furthermore, dietary protein sources and inclusions are also essential to fish health and nutrition and may enhance overall fish performance in pond culture. The current project evaluated two immunostimulants: a protease complex (PC) and a humic substance (HS) derived from a reed‐sedge peat product. A 60‐day trial examined the effects of five diets on growth performance, immune response and resistance to experimental F. covae infection in channel catfish. Diets included a high‐quality fishmeal diet (32%; CF32), a high‐protein soy‐based diet (32%; C32), a low‐protein soy‐based diet (28%; C28; predominately used in industry), a low‐protein soy diet supplemented with C28 + PC at 175 g metric ton−1 and C28 + HS in a low‐protein diet at 23 g metric ton−1. Following feeding for 60 d, juvenile channel catfish were sampled for growth performance and baseline health indicators (n = 3; body mucus, blood for sera, kidney and spleen). A subset of fish was then subjected to an immersion‐based in vivo challenge trial with F. covae (ALG‐00‐530; 106 CFU mL−1 exposure). At 60d post‐initiation, there were no dietary differences in the relative growth rate (p = .063) or thermal growth coefficient (p = .055), but the 32% diets generally appeared to perform best. Post‐challenge, the C32 group's mortality was higher than the C28 + PC (p = .006) and C28 + HS diets (p = .005). Although not significant, the C28 and CF32 groups also demonstrated higher mortality compared to both PC and HS diets. Sera lysozyme concentration was found to increase following pathogen challenge (p < .001) and in comparison with mock‐challenged catfish (p < .001). Elevated expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (il‐1β, il‐8, tnf‐α and tgf‐β) were observed at trial midpoint and post‐infection when compared to 60d. The C28 treatment was found to have lower tnf‐α expression than the C28 + PC (p = .042) and C28 + HS (p = .042) groups following exposure to F. covae. These challenge data suggest that the immunostimulants (PC and HS) in plant‐based protein may be beneficial in protecting against F. covae when offered in low‐protein channel catfish diets.
Immigrant Entrepreneurship and the Rising Popularity of Korean Cuisine: Korean Restaurant Businesses in Frankfurt*
Authors: Kim Jihye
Published: July 2023

In recent decades there has been a dramatic increase in Korean restaurants in Frankfurt, Germany. Based on ethnographic research conducted in Frankfurt in 2022, this research explores multiple situational factors across socio‐structural layers influencing Korean restaurant owners in their decision to open their businesses. The study found that the economic, cultural, and social contexts in Germany, such as visa and settlement schemes, market conditions, and the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Frankfurt have been vital factors for Korean immigrants in Germany while ethnic networks and resources have been inconsequential. Korean restaurant owners in Frankfurt also contribute greatly to the shaping of trends in terms of interest in Korean food and culture in the host society through their own agency and in their interactions with local people. In the context of a rapid rise in popularity of Korean culture and food internationally, this study points to an uneasy fit between the case of Korean restaurant owners in Frankfurt and the prevailing conceptual frameworks of immigrant entrepreneurship in Europe, leading to the need to approach their case from new angles.
Early emollient bathing is associated with subsequent atopic dermatitis in an unselected birth cohort study
Authors: O'Connor Cathal , Livingstone Vicki , O’B Hourihane Jonathan , Irvine Alan D. , Boylan Geraldine , Murray Deirdre
Published: July 2023

Background

Skin barrier dysfunction is a key component of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recent research on barrier optimization to prevent AD has shown mixed results. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between emollient bathing at 2 months and the trajectory of AD in the first 2 years of life in a large unselected observational birth cohort study.

Methods

The Babies After SCOPE: Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact Using Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints Birth Cohort study enrolled 2183 infants. Variables extracted from the database related to early skincare, skin barrier function, parental history of atopy, and AD outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding variables.

Results

One thousand five hundred five children had data on AD status available at 6, 12, and 24 months. Prevalence of AD was 18.6% at 6 months, 15.2% at 12 months, and 16.5% at 24 months. Adjusted for potential confounding variables, the odds of AD at any point were higher among infants who had emollient baths at 2 months (OR (95% CI): 2.41 (1.56 to 3.72), p < .001). Following multivariable analysis, the odds of AD were higher among infants who had both emollient baths and frequent emollient application at 2 months, compared with infants who had neither (OR (95% CI) at 6 months 1.74 (1.18–2.58), p = .038), (OR (95% CI) at 12 months 2.59 (1.69–3.94), p < .001), (OR (95% CI) at 24 months 1.87 (1.21–2.90), p = .009).

Conclusion

Early emollient bathing was associated with greater development of AD by 2 years of age in this population‐based birth cohort study.
The Reconstruction of the Cosmopolitan Imaginary: Chinese International Students during the COVID‐19 Pandemic1
Authors: Liu Qing Tingting , Chung Angie Y.
Published: July 2023

Social and geopolitical disruptions triggered by the COVID‐19 crisis have raised crucial questions about the shifting meaning of race, citizenship, and nationality for transborder migrants amidst receding globalization, hardening borders, and geopolitical tensions. The aim of this paper is to examine the ways in which Chinese international students have viewed and negotiated their ambiguous racial and ethnonational position between nations during the global pandemic. Drawing on 16 student interviews at one upstate New York campus between 2019 and 2021, we argue that Chinese international students have occupied a liminal space between nations that shapes their understanding of race and racism through a distinctly geopolitical lens. Double‐edged exclusion and discrimination from both the US and China during the global pandemic have heightened their sense of social dislocation and withdrawal from nationalist politics in both countries. In the process, they have not so much surrendered the cosmopolitan ideals that motivated their migration but rather, reimagined them while maintaining a delicate balance between global cosmopolitan ideals and ethnonationalist loyalties. Our findings provide insights into the future political trajectory of Chinese transborder migrants amid tense US–China relations and help to explain the contradictions of diasporic Chinese worldviews on current affairs.
Determinants of splenic preservation among patients with sickle cell disease in North‐Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ladu Adama I. , Jeffery Caroline , Farate Abubakar , Farouk Abubakar G. , Abba Aisha M. , Adekile Adekunle , Bates Imelda
Published: July 2023

Objective

In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the spleen commonly enlarges during early childhood, but undergoes reduction in size and fibrosis from repeated episodes of vaso‐occlusion and infarction. The rate of progression of this process varies markedly among these patients. The aim of current study was to explore clinical and laboratory factors associated with the preservation of the spleen among these patients.

Methods

Two hundred four patients with SCD (103 females; age 1–45 years) underwent abdominal ultrasonography at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between October 2020 and November 2021 to assess for splenic visualisation and echotexture. Steady‐state clinical parameters and blood samples for full blood count, serum chemistry, high‐performance liquid chromatography and malaria parasitemia were obtained from all the patients.

Results

The spleen was visualised in 107 (52.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 46%–59%) patients with SCD on ultrasonography. While the spleen was visualised in all children less than 5 years of age, it was visualised in only 23.5% of those aged 15 years and older. Visualisation of the spleen was significantly associated with low mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and high haemoglobin F (HbF) in those younger than 10 years. The odds of visualisation of the spleen on ultrasonography increased by a factor of 1.17% for every 1% increase in HbF level. Only 32 (15%) patients were on regular hydroxyurea therapy. The HbF level was significantly higher among patients on hydroxyurea (median 12.7 vs. 7.4; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In patients with SCD, failure to visualise the spleen was not found in children less than 5 years old. Patients with visualised spleens had a higher level of HbF than those with non‐visualised spleens. HbF was significantly associated with visualisation of the spleen before 10 years of age. Since early administration of hydroxyurea will increase HbF level, we expect that it would help to preserve the spleen.
The API ICP Exam Handbook: Complete Guide to Passing the API 510/570/653 ICP Exams
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

This 820‐page handbook is your learning guide to passing all three main API ICP examinations.

It covers the full scope of:

API 510: Pressure Vessel Inspector

API 570: Piping Inspector

API 653: Above Ground Storage Tank Inspector

API ICP examinations are a stringent test of candidates’ ability to assimilate several thousand pages of code material and answer a large number of open and closed‐book exam questions over a 7 ½ hour exam session.

This handbook covers the API Bodies of Knowledge (BoK) for these three certification examinations in a structured way that makes the material easy to understand and learn. 270+ figures and flowcharts explain the code principles and content with specific reference to code clauses and exam question types used.

Learning methods are provided to help exam candidates understand ICP exam questions and compile their own learning program for the Boks. Sample questions and mock examinations are provided with worked calculation examples. The handbook is updated to match new API ICP exam formats and Alternative Question Types.
The Influence of Isokinetic Trunk Flexor and Extensor Strength on Dynamic Balance in Children
Authors: Eustace Steven James , Wdowski Maximilian , Tallis Jason , Duncan Michael
Published: July 2023

This study assessed whether trunk flexor and extensor strength were predictors of time to stability (TTS) and center of pressure (CoP) during hop and hold tasks in children. Seventeen boys (age, 10.1 ± 1.6 years; height, 1.45 ± 0.11 m; mass, 26.7 ± 7.83 kg) undertook isokinetic strength assessments of concentric and eccentric trunk flexors/extensors at 60°/s, and anterior/medial hop tasks. Hierarchical multiple regressions determined whether concentric and eccentric trunk flexor/extensor peak torques predict TTS using a composite score (CompX CompY CompZ) and CoPX and CoPY. Concentric trunk flexors were the strongest predictor for TTS CompXY, with concentric flexion and eccentric extension predicting TTS CompY. All muscle actions were also strong predictors for CoPY during hop tasks. These findings have implications for the assessment of trunk musculature strength and measures of postural control within a young healthy population. The development of trunk musculature strength may aid improvements in dynamic balance tasks in children, with implications for fall and injury risk. To improve trunk musculature strength and the potential to maintain postural control, a combination of concentric and eccentric exercises with other training modalities appears relevant due to the increased relevance to the demands of balance maintenance.
Complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma pruni” PR2021, an uncultivated bacterium associated with poinsettia (
Euphorbia pulcherrima
)
Authors: Pei Shen-Chian , Chen Ai-Ping , Chou Shu-Jen , Hung Ting-Hsuan , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: July 2023

The complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma pruni” strain PR2021, which consists of one 705,138 bp circular chromosome and one 4,757 bp circular plasmid, is presented in this work. This bacterium is associated with poinsettia (
Euphorbia pulcherrima
) cultivar “Princettia Pink.”
Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study
Authors: Gemedo Shambel , Andualem Zewudu , Hailu Tesfaye Amensisa , Dessie Awrajaw
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

Design

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020. A self-administered structured Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess low back pain during the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out using Stata V.14. The degree of significance was obtained at a 95% CI and p<0.05.

Setting

The study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 602 teachers participated in this study.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome is the prevalence of low back pain.

Results

The prevalence of low back pain during the last 12 months was found to be 63.73% (95% CI 59.77% to 67.70%). About 225 (39.61%) teachers experienced moderate pain, and (89.79%) of them had a minimal disability. Being unmarried (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79), prolonged standing (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.60), sleeping disturbance (AOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.41 to 7.36), regular physical activity (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84), current smoker (AOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.67), lifting heavy load (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.28), psychological job demand (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.84) and job satisfaction (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79) were associated with low back pain.

Conclusion

The prevalence of low back pain was high in this study. Prolonged standing, sleep disruption, heavy load lifting, cigarette smoking and psychological job demand were risk factors for low back pain. Physical exercise and workplace satisfaction were effective interventions. Emphasis should now be put on ergonomics, regular physical activity and psychosocial factors to lessen the problem.
Disparities in sport participation of transgender women: a systematic and scoping review protocol
Authors: Hamdan Jessica L , Shipper Andrea Goldstein , Roth Stephanie , Zisman-Ilani Yaara
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Transgender women experience disparities in sport participation that are exacerbated by policies from sport organisations and legislation in the USA regulating the participation of transgender women in the category that best aligns with their gender identity. Both transgender and cisgender women are affected by these policies because sport organisations do not have a clear understanding of the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on transgender women and the unfair advantage they may have over cisgender women athletes. This article describes a review protocol to understand disparities in sport participation of transgender women.

Methods and analysis

A systematic and scoping review is being conducted. Studies are included if they explore disparities in sport participation (ie, participation rates, real and/or perceived barriers to participation) of transgender women of any age. A search strategy has been developed for PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL. Relevant grey literature will also be scanned. The planned search dates are July and August 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not directly involve human subjects, so ethical approval is not required. Findings from the systematic review will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.