bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of risdiplam efficacy in 5q spinal muscular atrophy: A systematic comparison of electrophysiologic with clinical outcome measures
Authors: Kessler Tobias , Sam Georges , Wick Wolfgang , Weiler Markus
Published: October 2023

Background

To assess compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes as electrophysiologic markers in relation to clinical outcome in adult patients with 5q‐linked spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) before and during treatment with risdiplam.

Methods

In this monocentric longitudinal cohort study, CMAP of 18 adult patients with SMA type 2 or 3 were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 10 months (T10) of risdiplam treatment. CMAP amplitudes of the median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves were compared with established clinical outcome scores, and with the course of disease before start of treatment.

Results

During a pharmacotherapy‐naive pre‐treatment period of 328 ± 46 days, Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) score and peroneal nerve CMAP amplitudes decreased, while CMAP of tibial and upper limb nerves remained unchanged. CMAP amplitudes positively correlated with clinical scores (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale‐Expanded [HFMSE], RULM) at T0. During risdiplam treatment, HFMSE and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) scores increased, paralleled by marked increase of CMAP amplitudes in both median nerves (T10–T0; right: Δ = 1.4 ± 1.4 mV, p = 0.0003; left: Δ = 1.3 ± 1.4 mV, p = 0.0007), but not in ulnar, peroneal, or tibial nerves. A robust increase of median nerve CMAP amplitudes correlated well with an increase in the HFMSE score (T10–T0). Median nerve CMAP amplitudes at T0 were associated with subsequent risdiplam‐related improvement of HFMSE and CHOP INTEND scores at T10.

Conclusions

Median nerve CMAP amplitudes increase with risdiplam treatment in adult SMA patients, and should be further evaluated as potential easy‐to‐use electrophysiologic markers in assessing and monitoring clinical response to therapy.
Utility of labial salivary gland biopsy in the histological diagnosis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease
Authors: Bao Lei , Zuo Dandan , Yin Zichang , Mao Zhifeng , Yu Changshun , Cui Chenchen , Sun Wen , Cui Guiyun , Chen Hao
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) poses a diagnostic challenge because of its diverse clinical manifestations. Detection of intranuclear inclusions remains the primary diagnostic criterion for NIID. Skin biopsies have traditionally been used, but concerns exist regarding postoperative complications and scarring. We sought to investigate the diagnostic utility of labial salivary gland biopsy, a less invasive alternative.

Methods

This study included a total of 19 patients and 11 asymptomatic carriers who underwent labial gland biopsies, while 10 patients opted for skin biopsies. All these individuals were confirmed to have pathogenic GGC repeat expansions in the NOTCH2NLC gene. The control group comprised 20 individuals matched for age and sex, all with nonpathogenic GGC repeat expansions, and their labial gland tissue was sourced from oral surgery specimens.

Results

Labial gland biopsies proved to be a highly effective diagnostic method in detecting eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in NIID patients. The inclusions showed positive staining for p62 and ubiquitin, confirming their pathological significance. The presence of uN2CpolyG protein in the labial gland tissue further supported the diagnosis. Importantly, all patients who underwent lip gland biopsy experienced fast wound healing without any noticeable scarring. In contrast, skin biopsies led to varying degrees of scarring and one instance of a localized infection.

Conclusion

Labial salivary gland biopsy emerged as a minimally invasive, efficient diagnostic method for NIID, with rapid healing and excellent sensitivity.
Genome‐environment association analyses reveal geographically restricted adaptive divergence across the range of the widespread Eurasian carnivore Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Bazzicalupo Enrico , Ratkiewicz Mirosław , Seryodkin Ivan V. , Okhlopkov Innokentiy , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , Yarovenko Yuriy A. , Ozolins Janis , Saveljev Alexander P. , Melovski Dime , Gavashelishvili Alexander , Schmidt Krzysztof , Godoy José A.
Published: October 2023

Local adaptations to the environment are an important aspect of the diversity of a species and their discovery, description and quantification has important implications for the fields of taxonomy, evolutionary and conservation biology. In this study, we scan genomes from several populations across the distributional range of the Eurasian lynx, with the objective of finding genomic windows under positive selection which may underlie local adaptations to different environments. A total of 394 genomic windows are found to be associated to local environmental conditions, and they are enriched for genes involved in metabolism, behaviour, synaptic organization and neural development. Adaptive genetic structure, reconstructed from SNPs in candidate windows, is considerably different than the neutral genetic structure of the species. A widespread adaptively homogeneous group is recovered occupying areas of harsher snow and temperature climatic conditions in the north‐western, central and eastern parts of the distribution. Adaptively divergent populations are recovered in the westernmost part of the range, especially within the Baltic population, but also predicted for different patches in the western and southern part of the range, associated with different snow and temperature regimes. Adaptive differentiation driven by climate does not correlate much with the subspecies taxonomic delimitations, suggesting that subspecific divergences are mostly driven by neutral processes of genetic drift and gene flow. Our results will aid the selection of source populations for assisted gene flow or genetic rescue programs by identifying what climatic patterns to look for as predictors of pre‐adaptation of individuals. Particularly, the Carpathian population is confirmed as the best source of individuals for the genetic rescue of the endangered, isolated and genetically eroded Balkan population. Additionally, reintroductions in central and western Europe, currently based mostly on Carpathian lynxes, could consider the Baltic population as an additional source to increase adaptive variation and likely improve adaptation to their milder climate.
Love on campus: College students of color, racial identity, and interracial dating
Authors: Eschmann Rob , Buggs Shantel Gabrieal , Gryder Ryan
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study explores the relationship between racial identity and interracial dating patterns.

Background

We draw on multiple literatures, including research on race and interracial dating, and the importance of racial identity on well‐being and mental health outcomes.

Method

Utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen we assess how dimensions of racial identity predict likelihood of interracial dating for Black, Asian, and Hispanic students enrolled at elite, predominantly White institutions of higher education.

Results

Multiple dimensions of racial identity predict whether Black or Asian students have dated interracially, and Hispanic students were more likely to have dated interracially than either Asian or Black students. School‐level characteristics, like the percentage of students who are White at each school, are the most consistent predictors of interracial dating patterns.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to broader work on how interracial dating practices (in this case, specifically for college students of color) are influenced not just by the race and gender of the individuals but specifically the salience of their racial identity.

Implications

This study expands the potential research utility of racial identity measures and adds greater nuance to analyses of interracial relationships among emerging adults.
Closed‐form solution for the Fatemi‐Socie extended critical plane parameter in case of linear elasticity and proportional loading
Authors: Chiocca Andrea , Sgamma Michele , Frendo Francesco
Published: October 2023

Fatigue damage remains a significant issue for both metallic and non‐metallic components, being the main cause of in‐service failures. Among the different assessment methodologies, critical plane methods have gained significance as they enable identifying the critical location and the early crack propagation orientation. However, the standard plane scanning method used for calculating critical plane factors is computationally intensive, and as a result, it is usually applied only when the component's critical region is known in advance. In the presence of complex geometries, loads, or constraints, a more efficient method would be required. This work presents a closed‐form solution to efficiently evaluate a critical plane factor based on the Fatemi‐Socie criterion, in the case of isotropic linear‐elastic material behavior and proportional loading conditions. The proposed algorithm, based on tensor invariants and coordinate transformation laws, was tested on different case studies under various loading conditions, showing a significant reduction in computation time compared to the standard plane scanning method.
Thermal fatigue crack initiation and propagation behaviors of GH3230 nickel‐based superalloy
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Hou Cheng , Jin Xiaochao , Li Dongxu , Zhao Litao , Yang Laixia , Fan Xueling
Published: October 2023

The drastic severe temperature cycle in an aero‐engine combustion chamber leads to large thermal fatigue stress, which may induce thermal fatigue failure of the combustion chamber. In this paper, thermal fatigue crack initiation and propagation behaviors of GH3230 nickel‐based superalloy sheet specimens with V‐notch were studied under different peak temperatures 800°C, 900°C, and 1,000°C using self‐built thermal fatigue equipment. The temperature, stress, and crack propagation driving force of the V‐notch specimen were discussed in detail. Results show that the thermal fatigue crack initiation life gradually decreases with the increase of the peak temperature. Oxidation caused by high temperature will weaken alloy's strength and accelerate its crack propagation. Higher peak temperature will make the crack propagate faster and the thermal deformation at V‐notch end easier to accumulate. At last, there is a good consistency between fitting curves from the modified Paris formula and the experiment results.
Soil legacy nutrients contribute to the decreasing stoichiometric ratio of N and P loading from the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Bian Zihao , Tian Hanqin , Pan Shufen , Shi Hao , Lu Chaoqun , Anderson Christopher , Cai Wei‐Jun , Hopkinson Charles S. , Justic Dubravko , Kalin Latif , Lohrenz Steven , McNulty Steven , Pan Naiqing , Sun Ge , Wang Zhuonan , Yao Yuanzhi , You Yongfa
Published: October 2023

Human‐induced nitrogen–phosphorus (N, P) imbalance in terrestrial ecosystems can lead to disproportionate N and P loading to aquatic ecosystems, subsequently shifting the elemental ratio in estuaries and coastal oceans and impacting both the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The N:P ratio of nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River Basin increased before the late 1980s driven by the enhanced usage of N fertilizer over P fertilizer, whereafter the N:P loading ratio started to decrease although the N:P ratio of fertilizer application did not exhibit a similar trend. Here, we hypothesize that different release rates of soil legacy nutrients might contribute to the decreasing N:P loading ratio. Our study used a data‐model integration framework to evaluate N and P dynamics and the potential for long‐term accumulation or release of internal soil nutrient legacy stores to alter the ratio of N and P transported down the rivers. We show that the longer residence time of P in terrestrial ecosystems results in a much slower release of P to coastal oceans than N. If contemporary nutrient sources were reduced or suspended, P loading sustained by soil legacy P would decrease much slower than that of N, causing a decrease in the N and P loading ratio. The longer residence time of P in terrestrial ecosystems and the increasingly important role of soil legacy nutrients as a loading source may explain the decreasing N:P loading ratio in the Mississippi River Basin. Our study underscores a promising prospect for N loading control and the urgency to integrate soil P legacy into sustainable nutrient management strategies for aquatic ecosystem health and water security.
Coral reef state influences resilience to acute climate‐mediated disturbances
Authors: Cresswell Anna K. , Renton Michael , Langlois Tim J. , Thomson Damian P. , Lynn Jasmine , Claudet Joachim
Published: October 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand the interplay between resistance and recovery on coral reefs, and to investigate dependence on pre‐ and post‐disturbance states, to inform generalizable reef resilience theory across large spatial and temporal scales.

Location

Tropical coral reefs globally.

Time Period

1966–2017.

Major Taxa Studied

Scleractinian hard corals.

Methods

We conducted a literature search to compile a global data set of total coral cover before and after acute storms, temperature stress and coastal run‐off from flooding events. We used meta‐regression to identify variables that explained significant variation in disturbance impact, including disturbance type, year, depth and pre‐disturbance coral cover. We further investigated the influence of these same variables, as well as post‐disturbance coral cover and disturbance impact, on recovery rate. We examined the shape of recovery, assigning qualitatively distinct, ecologically relevant, population growth trajectories: linear, logistic, logarithmic (decelerating) and a second‐order quadratic (accelerating).

Results

We analysed 427 disturbance impacts and 117 recovery trajectories. Accelerating and logistic were the most common recovery shapes, underscoring non‐linearities and recovery lags. A complex but meaningful relationship between disturbance impact, the state of a reef pre‐ and post‐disturbance, and recovery rate was identified. Fastest recovery rates were predicted for intermediate to large disturbance impacts, but a decline in this rate was predicted when more than ~75% of pre‐disturbance cover was lost. We identified a shifting baseline, with declines in both pre‐ and post‐disturbance coral cover over the 50‐year study period.

Main Conclusions

We break down the complexities of coral resilience, showing interplay between resistance and recovery, as well as dependence on both pre‐ and post‐disturbance states, alongside documenting a chronic decline in these states. This has implications for predicting coral reef futures and implementing actions to enhance resilience.
Wilhelm Speyer's best‐selling novels of 1927 and male responses to female emancipation
Authors: Heady Katy
Published: October 2023

The Weimar Republic witnessed significant advances in the professional, political, and social opportunities available to German women, as well as a substantial increase in the visibility of women within the German public sphere. Existing research into the reactions of German men to female emancipation during this period has tended to focus on the fear and hostility that were most noticeable during the early years of the Republic. In contrast, this article discusses two more supportive responses to female liberation: Wilhelm Speyer's best‐selling novels Charlott etwas verrückt (1927) and Der Kampf der Tertia (1927). These novels depict their unconventional and powerful women protagonists in a sympathetic light, but their emancipatory potential is limited by the use of traditional motifs and perspectives within their descriptions of female characters.
Effective Leaching of Argillaceous and Dolomitic Carbonate Rocks for Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhou Ying
Published: October 2023

Various methods have been developed to extract a primary seawater Sr isotope signal from carbonate rocks for strontium isotope stratigraphy. However, there is little consensus around the best method due to variable sample purity and mineralogy. For this study, we applied sequential leaching to a range of rock samples in order to explore strontium isotope leaching systematics of less favoured argillaceous and dolomitic limestone samples. Following an ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) prewash that removed ~ 10% of the carbonate fraction, a subsequent dilute acetic acid leach (10–30% aliquot) was shown to extract the lowest, demonstrably least altered seawater 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, along with in most cases seawater‐like rare earth element (REE) plus yttrium (Y) patterns with the highest Y/Ho ratios (mostly > 36). Subsequent dissolution steps exhibited significantly elevated 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, Rb/Sr, Al/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios, indicating greater contributions from aluminosilicates and dolomite in the leachates. The new dissolution method by comparison significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining primary seawater 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios from argillaceous and dolomitic limestones where the other established procedures failed. Broad application of this approach could improve the temporal resolution of the seawater Sr isotope curve, especially where high purity limestone samples are scarce.
Efficacy, safety and cost of emicizumab prophylaxis in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors: A nationwide observational study in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Ming‐Ching , Chou Sheng‐Chieh , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Lin Pei‐Chin , Chen Yeu‐Chin , Lin Hsuan‐Yu , Lee Yang‐Cheng , Huang Cih‐En , Weng Te‐Fu , Huang Ting‐Huan , Chung Chih‐Yuan , Chen Jiann‐Shiuh , Chen Shu‐Huey , Cheng Shin‐Nan , Hsiao Chih‐Cheng , Huang Yen‐Min , Chen Shih‐Hsiang , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Lin Shih‐Chiang , Lin Ching‐Yeh , Peng Ching‐Tien , Wang Jiaan‐Der ,   Taiwan Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis study group
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Emicizumab mimicking the cofactor function of activated factor VIII (FVIII) restores haemostasis.

Methods

This nationwide observational study aimed to retrospectively investigate efficacy, safety, and cost in 1 year before and up to 3 years after emicizumab prophylaxis for haemophilia A (HA) patients with FVIII inhibitors.

Results and discussion

A total of 39 severe HA patients with a median age of 23.0 years were enrolled. The median historical peak FVIII inhibitor titre was 174.2 BU/mL with an interquartile range of 56.5–578.8 BU/mL. The median annualized bleeding rate reduced from 24 to 0 events in the first year after emicizumab prophylaxis (p < .01) and sustained in the second and third years. The median annualized joint bleeding rate reduced to 0 and maintained up to 3 years (p < .01). Twenty‐seven patients (69.2%) had target joints before emicizumab prophylaxis and only seven patients (17.9%) of them had target joints after prophylaxis. Medical costs, including cost of haemostatic therapy, frequency of outpatient department visits, emergency room visits and hospital admission, were significantly reduced after emicizumab prophylaxis (p < .01). FVIII inhibitor titre decreased after emicizumab prophylaxis. Overall, three (7.7%) patients experienced 202 grade 1 drug‐related adverse events after emicizumab prophylaxis. No serious adverse events were reported during emicizumab prophylaxis period. The adherence to emicizumab prophylaxis was 100% up to 3 years.

Conclusions

HA patients with FVIII inhibitors treated with emicizumab prophylaxis resulted in a significant reduction in treated bleeds and associated costs. No new safety events were observed.
Two‐center validation of assays for the detection of binding and neutralizing anti‐factor VIII antibodies
Authors: Müller Jens , Neimanis Sonja , Kahle Jörg , Albert Thilo , Schultze Strasser Stephan , Rup Bonita , Pötzsch Bernd , Königs Christoph , Oldenburg Johannes ,   the ABIRISK Consortium
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients with hemophilia A treated with coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) products are at risk for developing anti‐FVIII antibodies. The ABIRISK Consortium aimed to provide knowledge on the formation and detection of anti‐drug antibodies against biopharmaceutical products, including FVIII. Accordingly, standardized and validated assays for the detection of binding (total) and neutralizing antibodies are needed.

Aim

Two‐center validation of an ELISA for the detection of total FVIII‐binding IgG‐antibodies and Nijmegen‐Bethesda assays for the quantification of FVIII‐neutralizing antibodies according to consensus validation guidelines.

Methods

Validation of assays at both sites was done according to published recommendations and included preanalytics, the determination of key assay parameters, including cut‐points, assay sensitivity, precision, and FVIII interference.

Results

The validated assays reproducibly detected FVIII‐binding and ‐neutralizing antibodies with comparable performance in both laboratories. Floating screening cut‐points were established for both assays. Determined mass‐based sensitivity of both assays (all values ≤66 ng/mL) complied with the minimum sensitivity for the detection of anti‐drug antibodies as recommended by the FDA (<100 ng/mL). Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation did not exceed 25%. Assay validation further revealed that pre‐analytical heat treatment led to potentially false‐positive ELISA results, while up to 0.15 IU/mL, residual FVIII showed no significant impact. Overall, good agreement of results was found for patient samples analyzed at both study sites.

Conclusion

Comprehensive validation of different anti‐FVIII‐antibody assays in two laboratories gave novel insights into the impact of pre‐analytical sample treatment as well as the comparability of test results generated by the use of methodically different assays.
Long‐term quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) trajectories in persons with and without HBsAg loss on tenofovir‐containing antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Begré Lorin , Boyd Anders , Salazar‐Vizcaya Luisa , Suter‐Riniker Franziska , Béguelin Charles , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Günthard Huldrych F. , Calmy Alexandra , Cavassini Matthias , Stöckle Marcel , Schmid Patrick , Bernasconi Enos , Levrero Massimo , Zoulim Fabien , Wandeler Gilles , Rauch Andri ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Improving the understanding of the patterns of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) trajectories associated with HBsAg loss is important in light of novel anti‐hepatitis B virus agents being developed. We evaluated long‐term qHBsAg trajectories in persons with HIV and HBV during tenofovir‐containing antiretroviral therapy in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Methods

We included 29 participants with and 29 without HBsAg loss, defined as qHBsAg <0.05 IU/mL. We assessed qHBsAg decline during therapy in both groups and used agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify different qHBsAg trajectory profiles in persons with HBsAg loss.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 11.9 years (IQR 8.4–14.1), and the median time to HBsAg loss was 48 months (IQR 12–96). Among participants with HBsAg loss, 79% had a qHBsAg decline ≥1 log10 IU/mL 2 years after starting tenofovir. The trajectories in qHBsAg levels during tenofovir therapy were heterogeneous, characterized by five distinct profiles. Among participants without HBsAg loss, only 7% had a qHBsAg decline ≥1 log10 IU/ml after 2 years.

Conclusions

Most persons with HIV who experienced HBsAg loss had an early decline in qHBsAg levels, with diverse trajectories during long‐term tenofovir therapy. In persons without HBsAg loss, qHBsAg levels remained remarkably stable over time.
(K0.5Bi0.5)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐modified Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 lead‐free ceramics for energy storage applications
Authors: Khan Murad Ali , Manan Abdul , Rehman Maqbool Ur , Khan Sami Ullah , Faisal Shah , Wazir Arshad Hussain , Alresheedi Faisal , Lanagan Michael T.
Published: October 2023

In the present study, Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 is mixed with [(K0.5Bi0.5)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3] to form a solid solution of [(1 − x)SBT–x(KB)(MNb), x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.1]. From the XRD results, it is indicated that KB is the main substituent for SBT ceramic at the A‐site. The breakdown strength (BDS) of ceramic gradually increases with an increase in doping content and achieves a high value of 280 kV/cm for x = 0.06. In addition, the 0.94SBT–0.06(KB)(MNb) ceramic shows excellent temperature stability (−55 to 140°C), a high recoverable energy density (Wd)—2.6 J/cm3, and an efficiency (η)—88% at 280 kV/cm. Therefore, 0.94SBT–0.06(KB)(MNb) ceramic is one of the possible materials for energy storage capacitor applications.
Net‐shaping of advanced ceramic composites by gelcasting into precision molds made by rapid‐prototyping
Authors: Jeevankumar Pallagani , Rose Poly , Rajanikanth Ammanabrolu , Rajasekharan Thankappan Pillai , Seshu Bai Vummethala
Published: October 2023

Dense ceramic components of complex shapes are fabricated by combining the techniques of rapid prototyping and gelcasting (RPGC process). Free‐flowing slurries of ceramic powders are set into precision molds fabricated out of expanded polystyrene (EPS) from computer‐aided design files, employing subtractive manufacturing. The removal of the mold from gelled parts is often a serious problem when attempting to produce large and complex‐shaped products. The EPS molds have advantages over the commonly used acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) molds in this context. Process innovations led to easy demolding and near‐net shaping of components of large and complex geometries that required minimal machining. Fabrication of complex‐shaped products out of alumina with a density of 99%, flexural strength of 389 MPa, and fracture toughness of ∼3 MPa√m is demonstrated. The RPGC process is extended to fabricate composites of alumina and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with α‐alumina platelet inclusions, with enhanced fracture toughness. The components have exhibited uniform density across the body of large and complex‐shaped parts, uniform microstructures, and good mechanical properties. EPS molds are also cost effective for fabricating large parts. The process is generic, allows for easy design modifications to include corrections for shrinkage, and also enables uniform distribution of second phases.
Efficacy and safety of intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide treatment for patients with refractory Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis: Real‐world data postofficial approval in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Nomiya Akira , Taguchi Satoru , Yamada Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Kawai Taketo , Yamada Daisuke , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To examine real‐world data regarding intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) therapy after official approval as a treatment for Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis (HIC) in Japan.

Methods

This single institution, retrospective observational study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the outcomes of 30 patients with refractory HIC who received intravesical DMSO therapy according to the approved standardized regimen: administration of DMSO every 2 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using a 7‐graded global response assessment scale, O'Leary and Sant's symptom and problem indices (OSSI/OSPI), the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), an 11‐point pain intensity numerical rating scale, quality of life (QOL) score, and frequency volume chart variables. Related complications were also documented.

Results

The response rates at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks were 36.7%, 43.3%, 53.3%, 60.0%, 70.0%, and 70.0%, respectively. Compared with baseline, OSSI/OSPI, pain intensity, urinary frequency, and the QOL score improved significantly from 4 weeks of treatment. The OABSS score and functional bladder capacity also showed a tendency toward moderate improvement, but the difference was not significant. The mean duration of symptom relapse after termination of treatment was 6.4 ± 3.9 months. No patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, although acute bladder irritation during infusion was noted in 21 patients (70%), which disappeared within 3 days.

Conclusions

This study verifies the safety, moderately durable efficacy, and tolerability of the standard intravesical treatment with DMSO for HIC in Japan.
Skills and employment transitions in Brazil
Authors: ADAMCZYK Willian , EHRL Philipp , MONASTERIO Leonardo
Published: October 2023

This article introduces two methods to derive internationally comparable skill and occupational distance measures based on machine learning and natural language processing techniques. We apply these measures to produce descriptive facts about employment transitions and workers’ wage distribution in Brazil using all formal labour contracts registered in the period 2003‐18. Our findings indicate that workers who use non‐routine cognitive skills intensively are better off in terms of employment, wages and switching occupation. Overall, we observe signs of routine‐biased technological change and employment polarization following the Brazilian economic crisis of 2014.
Subjective well‐being of older migrants in the Netherlands: A conceptual and methodological discussion
Authors: Conkova Nina , Fokkema Tineke , van Tilburg Theo G.
Published: October 2023

Social policy is most effective when evidence‐based. In this research, we scrutinise 11 surveys to produce evidence on the subjective well‐being (SWB) of older migrants in the Netherlands. The descriptive analysis and literature review revealed that the study of the diversity among older migrants is hindered by several factors, including the inclusion of a limited number of distinct migrant groups, their almost exclusive comparison to non‐migrants, and a focus on first‐generation and urban‐based migrants. Different concepts are used for three dimensions of SWB, both migrant‐specific and general. The validity of concepts and measurement instruments is not well examined. By means of multi‐group analysis, we demonstrate that the overarching concept of SWB is multidimensional and cannot be easily used to compare different groups of migrants. In conclusion, we argue that survey data can be used to further refine the concept of SWB, compare differences between and within migrant groups and over time, and ultimately inform social policy better.
The role of digital literacy in satisfaction with online migration services in Ghana: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Bokpin Hayford Alufar , Akakpo Martin Gameli
Published: October 2023

Like in many other fields of human endeavour, digital literacy is rising in importance. As migration continues unabated, key stages of the process are now possible online. This study investigated the role of digital literacy and migration intent in satisfaction with online migration services. Deploying a cross‐sectional survey of 100 students at a Ghanaian university, the study tested the hypotheses with a linear regression (r = 0.85, R‐square = 0.72, p = 0.00). Results indicate support for digital literacy and migration intent in satisfaction with online migration services. Age and level of education are correlated with satisfaction, digital literacy and migration intent. The meaning and implications of these findings are discussed.
The impact of a music enrichment program during infancy and early toddlerhood on effortful control at age 3: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Smith Amy R. , McGregor Casey M. , Carr Katelyn , Epstein Leonard H. , Serwatka Catherine , Paluch Rocco , Piazza Jacqueline , Shisler Shannon , Kong Kai Ling
Published: October 2023

Effortful control (EC), a self‐regulation skill, is associated with long‐term developmental outcomes. Music has been associated with infant self‐regulation and may be an intervention strategy for enhancing EC during toddlerhood. This investigation included 32 parent‐child dyads from a previously conducted randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants (9‐15‐months old at baseline) attended either a music enrichment program or a playdate control once a week for 1 year and monthly for an additional year. At age 3, participants completed snack and gift delay effortful control tasks. Groups were compared using one‐way ANOVA. We found that participants in the music group had a significantly higher score during snack delay (music mean = 3.47 ± 0.94; control mean = 2.45 ± 1.51; p = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.84). We did not find a significant group difference for latency to peek (music mean = 39.10 ± 20.10; control mean = 30.90 ± 19.88; p = 0.25; d = 0.57) or latency to touch (music mean = 105.73 ± 417.69; control mean = 98.35 ± 28.84; p = 0.38; d = 0.29) for the gift task. This study provides initial evidence that early participation in a music enrichment program may benefit later development of EC. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02936284).
Evaluating psychometric properties of three mentoring scales among nurses and midwives in hospital settings: A methodological study
Authors: Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Chamberlain Diane
Published: October 2023

Background

Scales used to evaluate nurses’ perspectives of mentoring programmes are mainly designed in developed countries, making them unsuitable for nurses and midwives working in resource‐poor developing countries.

Aim

To explore the psychometric properties of the perceived cost of mentoring (PCM) scale, negative mentoring experiences (NME) scale and relational mentoring index (RMI) for adaptation in hospital settings in Uganda.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used. In total, 303 hospital nurses/midwives in Ugandan participated in the study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the three mentoring scales.

Results

Revisions based on word choice were made in adapting the scales to the Ugandan context. The PCM showed three factors (risk to reputation, mentoring effort and nepotism) and had an intra‐class correlation (ICC) of 0.609 (95% CI, 0.324–0.793) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.705. The NME scale had two factors (lack of mentor expertise and mismatch between the dyad) consistent with the original scale with an ICC of 0.568 (95% CI, 0.271–0.767) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.841. The RMI showed two factors (individual influence and relational quality) with an ICC of 0.664 (95% CI, 0.410–0.824) and Cronbach's alpha of 0.933.

Conclusions

The initial psychometric assessment indicates satisfactory validity and reliability of the scales for implementation among nurses and midwives within Ugandan hospital contexts. Subsequent research is warranted to validate the factor structures of the scales on a different sample.

Implications for nursing and health policy

In using mentoring programmes to develop the hospital workforce, nurse and midwifery policymakers need to use culturally adapted and validated PCM, NME, and RMI scales to evaluate the quality of these mentoring programmes to maximise the benefits while avoiding unintended consequences.
Nurse practitioner affecting systems change in the context of a LEADS leadership framework: Experience from the field
Authors: Diaczun Tessa , Miller Minna K
Published: October 2023

Aim

This paper highlights a new role of Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner as the clinical planning lead in the development of a unique model of care and service delivery for children living with health complexity, in the context of a LEADS leadership framework and related capabilities.

Background

The LEADS in a Caring Environment Framework is an effective tool for leadership development and systems change. An experienced Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner hired into a leadership role contributes to system change for a complex population across a large geographic area.

Sources of evidence

World Health Organization, Canadian Nurses Association and other websites, academic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) and relevant books were explored, and the expertise and knowledge of the authors and the redevelopment project team were utilized.

Discussion

The Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner (first author) shares and reflects on her own lived experience as a leader in the planning for programmes and services at the new centre utilizing the five LEADS domains and related capabilities.

Conclusion

The utilization of the LEADS in a Caring Environment Capabilities Framework showcases the strengths and skills of an Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner shifting from direct clinical care to successfully leading system‐level change. By incorporating the LEADS framework into practice, in any setting or role, Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioners can both evaluate and develop their leadership skills while positively effecting system transformation.

Implications for nursing practice

The LEADS framework fosters ongoing professional development and can be used to measure the added value of Advanced Practice Nurses within an organization.

Implications for nursing policy

Advanced Practice Nurses improve outcomes within the health care system. Leaders must consider this evidence in health workforce planning, ensuring that Advanced Practice Nursing roles become fully integrated and are supported in the context of national and regional health systems.
Dental caries and associated factors in 7‐, 12‐ and 15‐year‐old schoolchildren in the canton of Basel‐Landschaft, Switzerland: Changes in caries experience from 1992 to 2021
Authors: Grieshaber Andreina , Waltimo Tuomas , Haschemi Asin Ahmad , Bornstein Michael Marc , Kulik Eva Maria
Published: October 2023

Background

Epidemiological surveys in schoolchildren are used to assess the current status of oral health.

Aim

To investigate the changes in caries experience among schoolchildren in the canton of Basel‐Landschaft, Switzerland, over a period of three decades. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of various personal and demographic factors such as age group, place of residence or dental hygiene awareness on caries prevalence as well as the history of orthodontic treatment in the year 2021.

Design

A random sampling of school classes from first, sixth and ninth grades, that is schoolchildren aged 7, 12 and 15 years, was performed. Children's dmft and DMFT scores were determined according to the WHO methodology while information on oral hygiene habits and dental prophylaxis awareness was collected by means of a questionnaire directed to the legal guardians of the children. Individual logistic regressions were performed to identify possible influencing factors for caries.

Results

A total of 1357 schoolchildren could be included in the study. In the year 2021, the youngest age group had an average of 0.68 primary teeth that needed treatment, whereas the 12‐ and 15‐year‐olds each had approximately 0.3 permanent teeth requiring treatment. While these numbers remained constant over the examination period of three decades, most of the other caries indices improved. Younger children (p = .001) and children with a migrant background (p < .001) were found to be risk groups. Orthodontic treatment was more frequent in females, schoolchildren of Swiss nationality and children attending higher secondary schools at ninth grade.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that even in a country with a low prevalence of caries experience, untreated carious lesions remain a problem as their prevalence remained unchanged over the examination period of three decades.
Quercetin and its derivatives for wound healing in rats/mice: Evidence from animal studies and insight into molecular mechanisms
Authors: Huang He‐chen , Chen Yan , Hu Jie , Guo Xiu‐tian , Zhou Shao‐rong , Yang Qi‐qi , Du Yu‐qing , Jin Yu , Liu Guo‐bin , Peng Yun‐hua
Published: October 2023

Aimed to clarify the effect of quercetin and its derivatives on wound healing in animal experiments. PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, SinoMed, Vip Journal Integration Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang databases were searched for animal experiments investigating the effect of quercetin and its derivatives on wound healing to April 2023. The Review Manager 5.4 software was used to conduct meta‐analysis. Eighteen studies were enrolled in this article. According to the SYRCLE's RoB tool assessment, these studies exposed relatively low methodological quality. It was shown that animals with cutaneous wound receiving quercetin had faster wound healing in wound closure (%) than the control group. Moreover, the difference in efficacy gradually emerged after third day (WMD = 7.13 [5.52, 8.74]), with a peak reached on the tenth day after wounding (WMD = 19.78 [17.82, 21.74]). Subgroup analysis revealed that quercetin for wound closure (%) was independent of the types of rats and mice, wound area and with or without diabetes. Clear conclusion was also shown regarding the external application of quercetin for wound healing (WMD = 17.77 [11.11, 24.43]). A significant reduction in the distribution of inflammatory cells occurred in the quercetin group. Quercetin could increase blood vessel density (WMD = 1.85 [0.68, −3.02]), fibroblast distribution and collagen fraction. Biochemical indicators, including IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hydroxyproline and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), had the consistent results. Quercetin and its derivatives could promote the recovery of cutaneous wound in animals, through inhibiting inflammatory response and accelerating angiogenesis, proliferation of fibroblast and collagen deposition.
Ion uptake and distribution in sweet potato genotypes subjected to salt stress is not driven by transpiration
Authors: Mondal Shimul , Rahaman Ebna Habib Md Shofiur , Asch Folkard
Published: October 2023

Potassium is taken up actively by the plant, whereas sodium is often either competing for the same uptake mechanisms or uptake and distribution are driven by the transpirational volume flow in the shoots of plants grown under salinity. Reducing transpiration rate is regarded as an adaptation mechanism to reduce leaf tissue salt load. In combination with a high K uptake, plants may be able to maintain growth and are, thus, seen as salt‐tolerant. Little is known about these mechanisms in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). Therefore, cuttings of two sweet potato genotypes contrasting in salinity tolerance (CIP 188002.1, tolerant; CIP 189151.8, sensitive) were subjected to 0 and 50 mM NaCl root zone salinity in a hydroponic system and grown under low (0.76 kPa) and high (2.27 kPa) vapour pressure deficit (VPD) to create differences in transpiration. After 18 days of initial hydroponic growth, NaCl was added for another 33 days. Cumulative plant water loss and total uptake of Na, K and Cl were determined for all plants and treatments. Transpirational water loss was twice as high under high VPD as compared to low VPD conditions, but genotypic Na and Cl accumulation remained almost the same. In contrast to plants subjected to salt stress under low VPD conditions, genotypes under high VPD conditions differed significantly in transpiration. However, in both genotypes transpirational water loss from individual leaves and Na or Cl accumulation were not correlated, under high VPD younger leaves of CIP 188002.1 (tolerant) accumulated more than twice as much potassium than in CIP 189151.8 (sensitive). The distribution of the three ions across leaf positions and within one leaf position between petiole and leaf blade differed strongly between the two genotypes. Tolerant CIP 188002.1 accumulated up to five times more sodium and potassium in the leaf petioles in the middle‐aged and young leaf positions than in the leaf blade, whereas in sensitive CIP 189151.8 neither ion was preferentially accumulated in the petioles. This was independent of salinity treatment and VPD conditions. In contrast, hyperaccumulation of Cl in petioles only occurred under high VPD conditions in the petioles of the tolerant genotype, but not under low VPD conditions, indicating a VPD sensitivity for Cl distribution in sweet potato. While we conclude that transpirational volume flow is not a main driving force for Na and Cl uptake and distribution within the plant, we discuss potential pathways leading to the hyperaccumulation of sodium and potassium in the leaf petioles of the tolerant genotype. We suggest studies on HKT transporter activities in the petioles as an object of further studies in sweet potato.
Violence and aggression against nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Latin America. From the emerging leaders program of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC)
Authors: Gupta Shyla , Garcia‐Zamora Sebastián , Juarez‐Lloclla Jorge , Farina Juan , Foisy Melanie , Pulido Laura , Ramos Victoria , Merschon Franco , Parodi Josefina B. , Sanchez María Elena , Munera Ana , Piskorz Daniel , Pineiro Daniel José , Tse Gary , Lopez‐Santi Ricardo , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

During the Coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, healthcare providers have overcome difficult experiences such as workplace violence. Nurses are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence. The objective of this study was to characterize violence and aggression against nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Latin America.

Methods

An electronic cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 19 Latin American countries to characterize the frequency and type of violent actions against front‐line healthcare providers.

Results

Of the original 3544 respondents, 16% were nurses (n = 567). The mean age was 39.7 ± 9.0 years and 79.6% (n = 2821) were women. In total, 69.8% (n = 2474) worked in public hospitals and 81.1% (n = 2874) reported working regularly with COVID‐19 patients. Overall, about 68.6% (n = 2431) of nurses experienced at least one episode of workplace aggression during the pandemic. Nurses experienced weekly aggressions more frequently than other healthcare providers (45.5% versus 38.1%, p < .007). Nurses showed a trend of lower reporting rates against the acts of aggression suffered (p = .076). In addition, nurses were more likely to experience negative cognitive symptoms after aggressive acts (33.4% versus 27.8%, p = .028). However, nurses reported considering changing their work tasks less frequently compared to other healthcare providers after an assault event (p = .005).

Conclusion

Workplace violence has been a frequent problem for all healthcare providers during COVID‐19 pandemic in Latin America. Nurses were a particularly vulnerable subgroup, with higher rates of aggressions and cognitive symptoms and lower rate of complaints than other healthcare providers who suffered from workplace violence. It is imperative to develop strategies to protect this vulnerable group from aggressions during their tasks.