bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin as a potential biomarker for equine asthma
Authors: Hansen Sanni , Otten Nina D. , Spang‐Hanssen Liv , Bendorff Christine , Jacobsen Stine
Published: March 2023

Background

Studies in people have found neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations are increased in asthma and can be used to distinguish between asthma subtypes. NGAL has not yet been investigated in equine asthma (EA).

Objectives

To investigate the ability of NGAL concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and serum to distinguish between control horses, horses with mild–moderate EA (MEA) and horses with severe EA (SEA).

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Details of endoscopic examination including tracheal mucus score (TMS, scale 0–5) and BAL cytology performed on 227 horses were extracted from records and NGAL concentrations were measured on stored serum and BAL fluid samples. The horses were divided into groups (control group n = 73, MEA n = 98, SEA n = 56) based on clinical signs and BAL cytology results. Differences between groups were evaluated with the Mann–Whitney test and correlation between BAL NGAL, serum NGAL, and BAL cytology were evaluated using Spearman's correlation.

Results

BAL NGAL concentrations were higher in EA than in control horses (median: 25.6 and 13.3 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001). Concentrations of NGAL in BAL differed between groups, with higher concentrations in MEA than in control horses (median: 18.5 and 13.3 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001), and higher concentrations in SEA than in MEA horses (median: 54.1 and 18.5 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.001). BAL NGAL concentration differed between horses with TMS ≤2 an >2 (median 15.6 and 21.1 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.004). No differences were found in serum NGAL concentration between any of the groups.

Main limitation

Only 66 of the 227 (29%) horses had haematology and serum NGAL measured.

Conclusion

BAL NGAL concentration differed between control and EA and reflected severity of disease. These results justify further research into the potential of NGAL as a biomarker of EA.
Restricted power: Can microorganisms maintain soil organic matter stability under warming exceeding 2 degrees?
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wen Yuan , Rillig Matthias C. , Shi Lingling , Dippold Michaela A. , Zeng Zhaohai , Kuzyakov Yakov , Zang Huadong , Jones Davey L. , Blagodatskaya Evgenia
Published: March 2023

Aim

The Paris Climate Agreement is pursuing efforts to limit global warming to less than 2 °C in this century, but increasing evidence shows that temperatures are likely to rise up to 4.8 °C by 2100. This points to an urgent need to investigate how the temperature impact on microbial regulation will endanger soil organic matter stability under warming approaching or exceeding 2 °C.

Location

Southern Germany and the globe.

Time Period

2010–2018.

Major Taxa Studied

Soil organic matter stability and microbial adaptations.

Methods

We analyzed soil properties and enzyme activities within (a) a long‐term field experiment with soil warming to below and above 2 °C (+1.6 vs. +3.2 °C), and (b) a literature review of 213 comparable studies globally (+0–2 vs. +2–4 °C).

Results

The soil organic C (SOC) stock remained unchanged after 8 years under both warming magnitudes, whereas the labile C pool increased by 10% under >2 °C. Unlike the SOC pool, total N (TN) content increased by 20% under >2 °C as compared to ambient. A potential explanation for the increased TN content is linked to unbalanced processes of necromass formation and enzymatic decomposition. Warming induced faster microbial growth and turnover, but reduced catalytic efficiency and the enzyme‐mediated decomposition of oligosaccharides and polypeptides. This consequently caused N accumulation in microbial necromass. Although microbial regulation can maintain SOC at stable levels, warming exceeding 2 °C will change the projected effects of temperature on soil TN pools in the future. Early action to accomplish the 2 °C temperature goal can therefore markedly reduce the likelihood that large regions will face substantial increase of SOC availability, N accumulation and related climate impacts on C and N cycling.

Main Conclusions

It is crucial to include microbial metabolic responses (i.e., faster microbial growth and turnover) to warming in global C and N cycle models to improve the prediction of climate warming scenarios.
Assessing the influence of migraine on ischemic penumbra and on the prognosis of ischemic stroke: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Oliveira Felipe A. A. , Dourado‐Filho Mario G. , Sampaio Rocha‐Filho Pedro A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

There is controversy as to whether migraine affects the behavior of ischemic penumbra during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke, thereby accelerating the formation of cerebral infarction.

Objectives

To assess whether migraine modifies the existence and volume of the divergence between the areas of diffusion and perfusion in the stroke (the penumbra) and whether migraine implies a poorer prognosis after the stroke.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study. We included hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke within 72 h of symptom onset (convenience sampling). A semi‐structured questionnaire, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with diffusion and with perfusion. Patients were assessed by telephone 3 months after the stroke to determine the prognosis. Scores of > 2 on the mRS were considered to have a poor prognosis.

Results

A total of 221 patients were included, 131/221 (59%) of whom were male, and with a mean (SD) age of 68.2 (13.8) years. Ischemic penumbra analysis was performed in 118 patients. There was no association between migraine and the absence of ischemic penumbra (16/63 [25%] vs. 12/55 [22%]; odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.52–2.87; p = 0.64). There was no difference in stroke volume between those with and without migraine (median [interquartile range] 1.0 [0.4–7.9] vs. 1.8 [0.3–9.4] cm3; p = 0.99). Migraine was not associated with the stroke prognosis after multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Migraine is not associated with the absence of ischemic penumbra, the volume of the ischemic penumbra, or the stroke prognosis.
Discrimination and authentication of lard blending with palm oil in cosmetic soap formulations
Authors: Aziz Atiqah Ab , Abdullah Sani Muhamad Shirwan , Zakaria Zalina , Abu Bakar Nor Kartini
Published: March 2023

Background

The employment of Fourier transforms infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for determination and quantification of lard in a binary blend with palm oil in a cosmetic soap formulations.

Objective

To determine and quantify lard as an adulterant in a binary blend with palm oil in a cosmetic soap formulations by FT‐IR and multivariate analysis.

Methods

Fatty acids in lard, palm oil and binary blends were extracted via liquid–liquid extraction and were subjected to FTIR spectrometry, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) for the classification of lard in cosmetic soap formulations via two DA models: Model A (percentage of lard in cosmetic soap) and Model B (porcine and non‐porcine cosmetic soap). Linear regression (MLR), partial least square regression (PLS‐R) and principal components regression (PCR) were used to assess the degree of adulteration of lard in the cosmetic soap.

Findings

The FTIR spectrum of palm oil slightly differed from that of lard at the wavenumber range of 1453 cm −1 and 1415 cm −1 in palm oil and lard, respectively, indicating the bending vibrations of CH2 and CH3 aliphatic groups and OH carboxyl group respectively. Both of the DA models could accurately classify 100% of cosmetic soap formulations. Nevertheless, less than 100% of verification value was obtained when it was further used to predict the unknown cosmetic soap sample suspected of containing lard or a different percentage of lard. The PCA for Model A and Model B explained a similar cumulative variability (CV) of 92.86% for the whole dataset. MLR and PCR showed the highest determination coefficient (R2) of 0.996, and the lowest relative standard error (RSE) and mean square error (MSE), indicating that both regression models were effective in quantifying the lard adulterant in cosmetic soap.

Conclusion

FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics with DA, PCA and MLR or PCR can be used to analyse the presence of lard and quantify its percentage in cosmetic soap formulations.
Quality characteristics of eggless muffins prepared using egg solution alternatives containing super mealworm protein isolate and carrageenan
Authors: Cho Ha‐Seong , Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa Fola , Park Jong‐Jin , Lee Won‐Young
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the feasibility of preparing muffins using egg solution alternatives comprising super mealworm protein isolate (MW; 2.3% and 4.3%) and carrageenan (C; 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%) to improve eggless muffin quality. Physical and nutritional assessments of the developed eggless muffins, including texture profile, protein content and digestibility, were evaluated and compared with muffins containing egg solution. The result revealed that eggless muffins containing 4.3% MW (MW4C0.5, MW4C1.0 and MW4C2.0) showed comparable protein content (7.19%–7.55%) and springiness (103.00%–110.00%) as egg muffins. Higher concentrations of carrageenan in egg solution alternatives increased the chewiness and cohesiveness of eggless muffins. Eggless muffins also exhibited higher protein digestibility (83.92% ± 1.75%) than egg muffins (36.79% ± 5.37%). Sensory evaluation results revealed that all eggless muffins were acceptable to consumers. Our results suggest that egg solution alternatives of super mealworm protein and carrageenan are potential substitutes for preparing eggless muffins.
Changes in the physicochemical characteristics and lipid concomitant of rapeseed oil during germination
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Xuping , Qu Zhihao , Zhang Na , Li Qi , Gao Yuan , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: March 2023

This study aimed at determining the changes in physicochemical characteristics and lipid concomitant of rapeseed oil during germination. Rapeseeds of two varieties, namely Shanyou 28 (Sy 28) and Qinyou 10 (Qy 10), were germinated. Oil was obtained by roasting, pressing and moderate refinement. The germination of 12–48 h led to a reduction in acid value, and 24–72 h led to a decrease in peroxide value. α‐Tocopherol content increased consistently throughout the entire period, increasing to 2.96‐ and 2.50‐fold at the end of germination. In the germination process of 36–72 h, β‐sitosterol, campesterol and brassicasterol content increased gradually. At 72 h, the total phytosterol content rose modestly (1884.02–2071.55 and 1743.96–2691.72 mg kg−1). Carotenoid content increased dramatically (5.81–12.68 and 2.54–12.35 mg kg−1). An increase occurred in unsaturated fatty acids from 24 to 72 h, whereas saturated fatty acids decreased. These findings indicated that germination enhanced α‐tocopherol, phytosterol and carotenoid, as well as the fatty acid composition, thereby improving the nutritional value and edible quality of oil. Among various constituents, α‐tocopherol in oil could be considered as a reference marker to distinguish the germination stage and estimate the nutritional value of rapeseed oil.
Trends in informal and formal home help use among older adults with disabilities in Japan: From 1999 to 2017
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Sugihara Yoko , Kobayashi Erika , Fukaya Taro , Liang Jersey
Published: March 2023

We examined trends and differences in home help (HH) use between 1999 and 2017 regarding living arrangements, gender, income and disability levels relating to the changes in Japan's long‐term care policy. HH is the help provided for activities of daily living to older adults with disabilities. We classified it into four types: only informal, informal and formal, only formal and neither and measured perceived adequacy of HH received by participants. We used five waves of repeated cross‐sectional data from 1999 to 2017 to examine trends using generalised estimation equations. The use of both informal and formal HH increased until 2006 and then gradually decreased but remained higher than in 1999. High perceived adequacy of HH received remained stable between 1999 and 2017. For participants living alone, the rate of using both informal and formal HH increased after 2002; high perceived adequacy of HH received increased until 2006, subsequently remaining steady.
Cultural–legal brokering and gender: A study of refugee‐serving institutions upon resettlement
Authors: Gonzalez Benson Odessa , Asadi Leila , Pimentel Walker Ana Paula , Yoshihama Mieko
Published: March 2023

Increased academic attention to the intersections of refugee studies and gender studies has focused on the lives and trajectories of refugee women. In this study, we examine resettlement institutions involved with refugee women, drawing upon critical scholarship on “brokerage.” Brokers reproduce and impose the powers of the state, but also negotiate with and resist the state. We draw from interviews with resettlement workers and refugee leaders in refugee‐serving institutions, focusing on one mid‐sized metropolitan area in the United States. We argue that resettlement institutions enact brokering not only in the cultural domain but also the legal domain. We further posit that cultural–legal brokering is enacted via contested negotiation of idealized patriarchal values–traditions in both the countries of origin and resettlement.
A review of network DEA models based on slacks‐based measure: Evolution of literature, applications, and further research direction
Authors: Alves Camila Guimarães Monteiro de Freitas , Meza Lídia Angulo
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a literature review on network models in data envelopment analysis (DEA) focused on the slack‐based network model called slacks‐based measure‐network data envelopment analysis (SBM‐NDEA). The search was carried out in an international database, resulting in 97 publications in the period from 2009 to 2021. From these publications, a descriptive analysis is performed, the evolution of the literature is mapped, the articles are organized into categories, and the main methodological references for the models and applications used are identified. Also, the most used models and their main characteristics are described, in addition to the analysis of the applications. Moreover, the sectors and countries with the highest number of applications are also identified. Through this review, it was possible to observe an increase in the number of network studies using the SBM‐NDEA in recent years. Finally, directions for future research in SBM‐NDEA are suggested.
Distributing the fashion product in direct or retail channel: The impact of fashion level and direct selling cost
Authors: Wang Haijun , Liu Guanmei
Published: March 2023

We investigate a dual‐channel supply chain with a retailer and a manufacturer who manufactures the fashion product and the common product. The manufacturer can distribute the fashion product directly to consumers or through the retailer. By formulating a game theory model, we find that the fashion product is distributed through a direct channel if the direct selling cost is small. However, if the direct selling cost is quite small, there is no fashion product being distributed through a retail channel even though the manufacturer intends to distribute the fashion product through the retail channel. Our results further reveal that both firms benefit from distributing the fashion product of a low fashion level through a direct channel if the direct selling cost is small, and the manufacturer always hurts from it if the direct selling cost is medium. By comparing the firms' profits from distributing the fashion product through direct and retail channels, we demonstrate that the manufacturer prefers to distribute the fashion product directly to the consumers and the retailer prefers to carry the common product in most conditions. However, if the direct selling cost is quite small and the fashion level of the fashion product is quite high, or the direct selling cost is quite large and the fashion level of the fashion product is quite low, the manufacturer prefers to distribute the fashion product through the retailer and the retailer prefers to carry the fashion product.
Association between fear of progression and sleep quality in patients with chronic heart failure: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xiong Juanjuan , Qin Jingwen , Gong Kaizheng
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to measure sleep quality and its possible association with fear of progression (FOP) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 254 patients with chronic HF were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in China. The sociodemographic and clinical data of participants were collected using a general information questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form were used to evaluate sleep quality over 1 month and FOP. Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression were conducted to analyse the relationship between sleep quality and FOP.

Results

Of all participants, 85.8% had poor sleep quality, with a mean score of 12.3 ± 4.2 (possible score could be 0 to 21). The severity of FOP was positively correlated with poor sleep quality. HF hospitalization in the past year, numbers of HF drugs, monthly income and total score of FOP were strong predictors of decreased sleep quality, accounting for 24.2% of the variance in the sleep quality of these patients.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic HF generally reported poor sleep quality, which should be highly concerned for medical workers. Alleviating FOP as a therapeutic strategy may improve sleep quality.

Impact

It is urgent to raise clinical attention that Chinese patients with chronic HF have poor sleep quality, which is not just due to the symptoms of HF itself. FOP is an important psychological factor influencing sleep quality in patients with chronic HF, which has not been explored in China. This study provides a new perspective on targeted interventions for poor sleep quality in chronic HF.

Patient and public involvement

No patient or public involvement.
Study of medication use and effects of medication among hospitalized older Buddhist monks: An embedded mixed‐method study
Authors: Chisana Noppasin , Banharak Samoraphop , Panpanit Ladawan , Chanaboon Sutin , Tipkanjanaraykha Kitsanaporn
Published: March 2023

Aim

The aim was to study medication use, effects of medication and perspective of participants involved in medication use among hospitalized older Buddhist monks.

Design

An embedded mixed‐method study.

Methods

This study included 71 hospitalized older Buddhist monks and 23 participants involved in medication use. Quantitative data were collected from medical and medication records. Meanwhile, qualitative data were collected by using in‐depth interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study lasted from February to July 2021.

Results

Over 77% of the monks had chronic diseases. The median of medicine use was seven medicines/person and 6 days of use. Effects of the medication were as expected (52.04%), not as expected (2.22%) and unmeasurable results (45.74%). Unexpected results were hypo‐hyperglycaemia, nausea/vomiting, high blood pressure and confusion. From the interview, participants perceived and did not perceive unique practices and medication use in Buddhist monks. In addition, the Buddhist monks received medication following standards and Buddhist doctrine. Finally, recommendations for medication use were adhering to the standard, following Buddhist doctrine and being flexible as deemed necessary.

Conclusion

The results revealed medication use problems and medication effects among hospitalized older Buddhist monks.

Impact

Older adults and Buddhist monks have specific needs and practices related to culture and religion, affecting typical treatment, especially medication use. Cultural diversity and sensitivity should be a concern for healthcare staff. The results can be utilized to promote an understanding of cultural diversity and increase the safety of medication administration for hospitalized older Buddhist monks.

Patient and Public Contribution

Patient and public contributions were involved in this study. Participants involved in medication use were interviewed to answer the research objective. Moreover, a senior Buddhist monk at Wat Thai Washington D.C. reviewed content related to the Pali Canon for the final draft of the manuscript.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

https://osf.io/b6p3e
The relationships of plant species occupancy to niches and traits vary with spatial scale
Authors: Mod Heidi K. , Rissanen Tuuli , Niittynen Pekka , Soininen Janne , Luoto Miska
Published: March 2023

Aim

Support for different underlying mechanisms of species occupancy is inconsistent, yet this could be related to spatial scale. Since abiotic filtering typically acts at broader scales than biotic interactions, we hypothesise that occupancy could be more driven by species' abiotic niche (i.e. tolerance and preference of abiotic conditions) at broad scales, whereas species' traits affecting competitive ability could be more important at fine scales. Here, we test these hypotheses by assessing relationships of occupancy to niche and trait metrics across spatial scales.

Location

Four study areas located north of Arctic Circle.

Taxon

Vascular plants.

Methods

We derived occupancy for 106 species at four spatial scales (micro‐scale with plot size of 0.04 m2 and extent of 2 km, local‐scale with plot size of 4 m2 and extent of 40 km, regional‐scale with plot size of 4 ha and extent of 800 km, and polar‐scale with plot size of 4 km2 and extent of 5200 km). We then assessed using generalized additive models whether the relationships between occupancy and species' niche breadth, niche marginality, intraspecific trait variability (ITV) and trait distinctiveness vary across the scales.

Results

At the finer scales, ITV (especially of specific leaf area) had the highest contribution with positive relationship in explaining occupancy. At the broader scales, occupancy was better explained by niche metrics. Especially at the broadest scale, the occupancy had a positive relationship with species' climatic tolerance.

Main Conclusions

Abiotic filtering, especially related to macro‐climate, drives species occupancy at broader spatial scales while biotic interactions are relatively more important at local scales. This scale‐dependency of factors behind species occupancy should be accounted for when, for example, planning conservation of rare species, forecasting invasions or anticipating the effects of changing climate on biota at local versus global scales.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 ameliorates pre‐eclampsia by inhibiting zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 by up‐regulation of microRNA‐183
Authors: Lai Weisi , Yu Ling
Published: March 2023

As a common hypertensive complication of pregnancy, preeclampsia (PE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Much research has identified the vital functions of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) in PE treatment. However, the combined roles and molecular mechanism of IGF‐1 and microRNAs (miRNAs) underlying PE remain unclear. Therefore, we first measured the expression of IGF‐1, zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and microRNA‐183 (miR‐183) expression in the placenta tissues of patients with PE by Western blot analysis and RT‐qPCR. Interactions among IGF‐1, ZEB1 and miR‐183 were assessed by Western blot analysis, ChIP‐PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of IGF‐1 on the biological characteristics of trophoblast cells was investigated by CCK‐8, colony formation assay and in vitro angiogenesis experiments after cells were transfected with si‐IGF‐1. Finally, a mouse eclampsia model induced by knockdown of IGF‐1 was established to confirm the in vitro effect of IGF‐1 on PE. We found that IGF‐1, ZEB1 and miR‐183 were highly expressed in the placental tissues of patients with PE. The knockdown of IGF‐1 resulted in reduced proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells and was accompanied by inhibited angiogenesis. ZEB1 was positively regulated by IGF‐1 via ERK/MAPK pathway, which in turn inhibited miR‐153 expression by binding to the miR‐183 promoter. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that IGF‐1 knockdown could induce PE. To sum up, IGF‐1 knockdown elevated expression of miR‐183 by downregulating ZEB1, thereby promoting deterioration of PE.
The Revolving Door and Access to the European Commission: Does the Logic of Influence Prevail?
Authors: Belli Sharon S. , Beyers Jan
Published: March 2023

This article analyses to what extent and under which conditions revolving door practices relate to access to the European Commission (EC). The revolving door hypothesis is analysed by combining two data sources: a dataset with publicly available records about the meetings between interest organizations and senior EC officials and evidence collected through the Comparative Interest Group‐survey (CIG‐survey). It is especially in professionalized organizations, where staff and organizational leadership dominate, that we observe a significant positive relationship between revolving door practices and access. In contrast, the extent to which the membership decides on political positioning and advocacy strategies has no impact on the relationship between revolving door and access. These results show that the revolving door is primarily connected with a logic of influence, implying that revolvers are especially advantageous for professionalized organizations.
Network analysis of ecological momentary assessment identifies frustration as a central node in irritability
Authors: Tseng Wan‐Ling , Naim Reut , Chue Amanda , Shaughnessy Shannon , Meigs Jennifer , Pine Daniel S. , Leibenluft Ellen , Kircanski Katharina , Brotman Melissa A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Irritability presents transdiagnostically, commonly occurring with anxiety and other mood symptoms. However, little is known about the temporal and dynamic interplay among irritability‐related clinical phenomena. Using a novel network analytic approach with smartphone‐based ecological momentary assessment (EMA), we examined how irritability and other anxiety and mood symptoms were connected.

Methods

Sample included 152 youth ages 8–18 years (M ± SD = 12.28 ± 2.53; 69.74% male; 65.79% White) across several diagnostic groups enriched for irritability including disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (n = 34), oppositional defiant disorder (n = 9), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 47), anxiety disorder (n = 29), and healthy comparisons (n = 33). Participants completed EMA on irritability‐related constructs and other mood and anxiety symptoms three times a day for 7 days. EMA probed symptoms on two timescales: “since the last prompt” (between‐prompt) versus “at the time of the prompt” (momentary). Irritability was also assessed using parent‐, child‐ and clinician‐reports (Affective Reactivity Index; ARI), following EMA. Multilevel vector autoregressive (mlVAR) models estimated a temporal, a contemporaneous within‐subject and a between‐subject network of symptoms, separately for between‐prompt and momentary symptoms.

Results

For between‐prompt symptoms, frustration emerged as the most central node in both within‐ and between‐subject networks and predicted more mood changes at the next timepoint in the temporal network. For momentary symptoms, sadness and anger emerged as the most central node in the within‐ and between‐subject network, respectively. While anger was positively related to sadness within individuals and measurement occasions, anger was more broadly positively related to sadness, mood lability, and worry between/across individuals. Finally, mean levels, not variability, of EMA‐indexed irritability were strongly related to ARI scores.

Conclusions

This study advances current understanding of symptom‐level and temporal dynamics of irritability. Results suggest frustration as a potential clinically relevant treatment target. Future experimental work and clinical trials that systematically manipulate irritability‐related features (e.g. frustration, unfairness) will elucidate the causal relations among clinical variables.
Association of stressful life events with cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Lina , Dong Shanshan , Zhao Chenxu , Gao Zhaoyu , Jiang Lei , Zhang Rui , Shen Tingting , Guo Yingying , Zhou Huimin , Xu Shunjiang
Published: March 2023

Aims/Introduction

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship of stressful life events (SLEs) with the risk of cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

A total of 316 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged >45 years were recruited in this study, and data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle characteristics and SLEs were collected. The cognitive status of patients was evaluated with a battery of cognitive function scales. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the risk and protective factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

Participants, including 217 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with MCI and 99 patients without MCI, were enrolled in the current study. Among the SLEs, the death of an offspring or parent (odds ratio [OR] 1.994, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017–3.908) was a risk factor for MCI after adjustment for age and education level. In the subgroup of participants aged <60 years, the death of an offspring or parent (OR 2.731, 95% CI 1.119–6.665) and financial difficulty (OR 22.205, 95% CI 4.365–112.966) were risk factors for the development of MCI, whereas high working pressure (OR 0.154, 95% CI 0.048–0.495) and career changes (OR 0.324, 95% CI 0.124–0.847) were protective factors for MCI.

Conclusions

These data suggested that SLEs were associated with cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adverse life events, such as the death of an offspring or parent, were risk factors for cognitive impairment, whereas high work pressure in middle‐aged people was a protective factor against cognitive impairment.
Safety of baclofen versus tizanidine for older adults with musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Su Zhang Vanessa R. , Niu Fang , Lee Eric A. , DiStasio Christopher , Broder Benjamin I. , Steinberg Steven G. , Hui Rita L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Baclofen and tizanidine are both muscle relaxants that carry the risk for neuropsychiatric events in older adults but there is a lack of data directly comparing their safety. This study aimed to investigate the relative risk between these two medications in causing injury and delirium in older adults.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that was completed in an integrated healthcare system in the United States and included patients aged 65 years or older who started baclofen or tizanidine for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain from January 2016 through December 2018. Outcomes included new incidence of injury (concussion, contusion, dislocation, fall, fracture, or other injuries) and delirium. The cohort was followed from the initiation of therapy until the first occurrence of any of the following events: end of the index drug exposure, end of health plan membership, death, or the study end date of December 31st, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline patient characteristics between baclofen and tizanidine treatment groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The final study cohort included 12,101 and 6,027 older adults in the baclofen and tizanidine group respectively (mean age 72.2 ± 6.2 years old, 59% female). Older adults newly started on baclofen had a greater risk of injury (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.21–1.96, P = < 0.001) and delirium (HR = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.11–5.26, p = <0.001) compared to those started on tizanidine.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that baclofen is associated with higher incidences of injury and delirium compared to tizanidine when used for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Future studies should investigate if these risks are dose‐related and include a comparison group not exposed to either drug.
Gestational stress and perinatal SSRIs differentially impact the maternal and neonatal microbiome‐gut‐brain axis
Authors: Pawluski Jodi L. , Murail Pauline , Grudet Florine , Bys Lena , Golubeva Anna V. , Bastiaanssen Thomaz , Oberlander Tim F. , Cryan John F. , O'Mahony Siobhain M. , Charlier Thierry D.
Published: March 2023

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular antidepressant medications used to manage perinatal mood disturbances, yet our understanding of how they affect the microbiome‐gut‐brain axis of the mother and offspring is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine how peripartum SSRI treatment may prevent the effects of gestational stress on plasticity in the maternal hippocampus, plasticity in the neonatal brain and related changes in gut microbiota. To do this Sprague–Dawley female rats were left untreated or subjected to unpredictable stress during pregnancy. Half of the females were supplemented daily with fluoxetine. On postpartum day 2 brains were collected for measurement of plasticity (neurogenesis and microglia content) in the maternal hippocampus and in the neonatal brain. Glucocorticoid receptor density was also investigated in the maternal hippocampus. Microbiota composition was analyzed in fecal samples of dams during and after pregnancy, and colon tissue samples from offspring on postnatal day 2. Main findings show there are significant changes to the maternal microbiome‐gut‐brain axis that may be fundamental to mediating plasticity in the maternal hippocampus. In addition, there is significant impact of gestational stress on neonatal gut microbiota and brain microglia density, while the effects of SSRIs are limited. This is the first study to explore the impact of gestational stress and SSRIs on the microbiome‐gut‐brain axis in the mother and neonate. Findings from this study will help inform pathways to intervention strategies including stress reduction techniques and/or microbiota targeted nutritional approaches directed towards improving maternal gut health and outcomes for mother and neonate.
Balancing evolutionary impulses: Effects of mindfulness on virtue food preference
Authors: Errmann Amy , Septianto Felix
Published: March 2023

Mindfulness is emerging as a contemplative tool that may positively influence consumers' preference for virtue food, thus supporting health and well‐being. However, it remains unclear which consumer groups may benefit the most from mindfulness. Previous research has demonstrated that consumers who experienced unpredictable environments in low socioeconomic households as children exhibit the likelihood of an adaptive chronic preference for vice food. Against this backdrop, the current research explores how mindfulness can support consumers who experienced low socioeconomic environments as children and further sheds light on the psychological mechanism, reduced impulsivity, for increased virtue food choice. This effect is tested across different manipulations of mindfulness and virtue food contexts. The research also introduces the unique mindfulness intervention of object visualization for helping stabilize the present‐moment for consumers. Overall, the findings show that mindfulness may be a potential solution to impulsivity and increase preference for virtue food, supporting consumers in health and well‐being.
Financial resilience of two‐worker households from a health perspective
Authors: Yao Rui , Xu Yilan , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the significant impact of health conditions on household finance. Traditional measures of financial resilience ignored households' ability to adjust to labor income disruptions. We proposed a more comprehensive two‐tier measure of financial resilience by accounting for nonlabor income and spending adjustments in the face of income loss associated with health situations. Using this measure, we evaluated the financial resilience of two‐worker households with members having COVID‐19 health risk conditions and other mental and physical chronic diseases. Our findings showed that households with cancer patients were more financially resilient yet those having obese members were less financially resilient. Decomposition of the financial resilience measure revealed differences in financial resources allocation—households with cancer patients allocated more wealth to noncash financial assets, whereas households with obese members saved less and spent more. Our findings shed light on financial planning practices and public policies of emergency assistance.
The evolving field of regenerative aesthetics
Authors: Goldie Katherine
Published: March 2023

Background

Regenerative aesthetics (RA) is an emerging subfield based on many of the principles of regenerative medicine (RM). In order to ensure that the development of regenerative aesthetics is based on accepted regenerative concepts and to optimize treatment strategies, it is important to establish clear definitions, fundamental aims and consider the impact of the predominant RA tissue environment RM focuses on the regeneration of injured or diseased tissue, while RA aims to restore youthful properties to aging, senescent tissue. The distinction is key in understanding how best to develop treatments for these different goals.

Aims and methods

The current review suggests key concepts, definitions, and foundations of regenerative aesthetic approaches and examines current evidence supporting this. It considers the importance of the aging tissue environment, the essential regenerative goals of restored tissue structure and function and introduces the concept of regenerative scaffolds with a focus on CaHA. Current techniques in the field and promising future directions are also discussed.

Conclusion

Regenerative aesthetics is an evolving subfield of regenerative medicine. Establishing clear definitions, identifying the challenges of the aging soft tissue environment and re‐evaluating current evidence in light of regenerative goals are vital for the continuing evolution of this medical field.
Efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with liposomal doxorubicin or paclitaxel versus liposomal doxorubicin or paclitaxel monotherapy in patients with recurrent platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Hailei , Geng Aizhi , Wang Zhenfeng , Wu Chuanzhong
Published: March 2023

Aim

Apatinib is an effective treatment for patients with gynecological cancers. This study aimed to further explore the efficacy and safety of apatinib plus chemotherapy in patients with recurrent platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

Methods

Totally, 105 patients with recurrent PROC receiving apatinib plus chemotherapy (N = 51) and chemotherapy alone (N = 54) were retrospectively enrolled in this cohort study.

Results

Objective response rate (37.3% vs. 14.8%) (p = 0.009) and disease control rate (80.4% vs. 61.1%) (p = 0.030) were increased in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group versus the chemotherapy group. The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.5 (3.4–7.6) and 21.4 (16.2–26.6) months in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group, and they were 3.8 (3.0–4.6) and 14.8 (11.9–17.7) months in the chemotherapy group. Meanwhile, the Kaplan–Meier curves revealed that PFS (p = 0.008) and OS (p = 0.012) were prolonged in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group versus the chemotherapy group. This finding was confirmed by multivariate Cox's proportional regression analyses: enter method (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.515, p = 0.007 for PFS; HR = 0.222, p < 0.001 for OS) and step‐forward method (HR = 0.608, p = 0.019 for PFS; HR = 0.346, p = 0.001 for OS). Additionally, the incidence of hypertension was increased in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group versus the chemotherapy group (p = 0.038), while others were not different between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Grades 3 and 4 adverse events were neutropenia, hypertension, leukopenia, hand–foot syndrome, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, and anemia in the apatinib plus chemotherapy group.

Conclusion

Apatinib combined with chemotherapy is a superior choice over chemotherapy alone for recurrent PROC management.
Double inversion recovery to detect cervical spinal cord multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Patel Shivam , Dimaandal Ian , Kuhns Tyler , Creed Marina , Gershon Abner , Wolansky Ivan , Imitola Jaime , Wolansky Leo
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS). Double inversion recovery (DIR) is a pulse sequence that has proven highly effective at detecting cortical lesions but is understudied in the spinal cord. We hypothesize that DIR images obtained during brain MRI can be of value in assessing the upper spinal cord of MS patients.

Methods

We retrospectively examined brain MRI exams of 64 patients with established MS, who had also undergone cervical spine MRI. Two blinded MS expert readers, who assessed the scans for lesion numbers and rated lesion visibility and overall image quality, reviewed brain 3‐dimensional DIR sagittal and coronal images. Standardized mean contrast‐to‐noise ratios (C/N) and standard deviation (SD) were calculated in representative lesions for each patient and compared to those of 3‐dimensional FLAIR images.

Results

For the analysis of lesions categorized as “definite lesions,” the sensitivity was 87%, specificity was 61%, and negative predictive value was 80%. On the other hand, for “definite” plus “probable” lesions, the sensitivity was 91%, the specificity was 54%, and negative predictive value was 86%. DIR demonstrated lesions with an average C/N of 7.56 with an SD of 1.77. FLAIR sequence demonstrated lesions with an average C/N of 0.67 and SD of 1.27.

Conclusions

Sagittally acquired brain DIR can provide useful information on upper spinal cord lesions, with high C/N. In theory, this should facilitate the attainment of McDonald's or the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MS (MAGNIMS) criteria in some cases, without a dedicated cervical spine MRI exam.
Effect of different span lengths with different total occlusal convergences on the accuracy of intraoral scanners
Authors: Yehia Ashraf , Abo El Fadl Ahmad , El Sergany Omar , Ebeid Kamal
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim was to assess the effect of span lengths and total occlusal convergence (TOC) on the accuracy of intraoral scanners .

Materials and methods

Two typodont acrylic teeth models were prepared to receive fixed dental prostheses with three different span lengths. Span 1: between maxillary canines; span 2: between maxillary second premolars; and span 3: between maxillary second molars. In the first model, prepared teeth had a TOC of 12°, whereas, in the second model, teeth had a TOC of 20°. Each model was scanned 10 times using 4 different intraoral scanners (Omnicam, Primescan, Trios 4, and Medit i500). The STL files from the scans were compared to the reference models (trueness) and within each test group (precision) using a 3D comparison software. Data were then statistically analyzed.

Results

Regarding trueness, no significant differences were found among Primescan (32.58 ± 13.08), Trios 4 (32.33 ± 12.19), and Medit i500 (32.26 ± 9.57). However, all showed significantly better trueness than Omnicam (35.70 ± 8.35) (p < 0.001). The highest values were found in scans between the second molars (47.42 ± 3.94), followed by scans between second premolars (28.42 ± 3.78), and the highest trueness was found in scans between the canines (23.80 ± 3.85). For TOC, 12° had a significantly higher value than 20° (p < 0.001). Regarding precision, the highest values were found with Omnicam (29.84 ± 3.89), followed by Medit i500 (28.04 ± 2.94), then Trios 4 (25.64 ± 3.11), and Primescan (24.69 ± 5.25). The highest values and least precision were found in scans between the second molars (28.97 ± 5.27) and scans between second premolars (27.59 ± 3.97), whereas the highest precision was found in scans between the canines (24.60 ± 2.04). For TOC, 12° had significantly higher values than 20° (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intraoral scans are directly affected by scanner type, TOC, and scan spans. All tested scanners showed clinically acceptable results even for long‐span restorations.
Denture stomatitis—An interdisciplinary clinical review
Authors: McReynolds David E. , Moorthy Advan , Moneley James O'Connor , Jabra‐Rizk Mary Ann , Sultan Ahmed S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

An interdisciplinary clinical review on denture stomatitis formulated by experts from prosthodontics, oral medicine, and oral microbiology is presented. The review outlines the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management strategies of denture stomatitis from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Materials and methods

English‐language articles relating to the definition, incidence, gender distribution, geographical distribution, etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, signs, treatment, and prognosis of denture stomatitis were retrieved via electronic literature search. Relevant articles were summarized for this manuscript with a view toward providing pragmatic information.

Results

Denture stomatitis represents a very common, multifactorial infectious, inflammatory, and hyperplastic condition which is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, poor denture hygiene, and full‐time; mainly night‐time denture wear, bringing about the emergence of advancedCandida‐containing polymicrobial biofilms in close proximity to the host's mucosal tissues. Denture stomatitis shares clinically relevant associations with dental caries, periodontitis, median rhomboid glossitis, angular cheilitis, aspirational pneumonia, and associated mortality.

Conclusions

Effective, long‐term treatment of denture stomatitis relies upon sustained patient‐driven behavioral change which should focus on daily prosthesis‐level cleaning and disinfection, removal of dentures at night, every night, engagement with professional denture maintenance, and when required, denture replacement. Antifungal medications offer limited benefits outside of short‐term use due to the emergence of antifungal resistance. For frail, older, medically compromised, and nursing home populations, treatment of denture stomatitis lowers the risk of aspirational pneumonia and associated mortality.