bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep quality correlates with effectiveness of ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars
Authors: Hua Hui , Li Min , Zhai Xiaoyu , Zhou Shu , Pan Zhonglan , Hou Zuoqiong , Zhou Bingrong
Published: January 2024

Ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser is effective for acne atrophic scars. Whether this effectiveness is affected by sleep quality remains unclear. Aiming to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and postoperative effectiveness, a retrospective clinical study was conducted, enrolling 83 patients with atrophic acne scar. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire at 3 months after the end of the first treatment. The ECCA (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné) scale was used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness before and at 3 months after treatment. The patients were divided into a mild to moderate improvement group and a good to excellent improvement group, based on whether they achieved a 50% ECCA improvement rate. PSQI score was higher in the mild and moderate improvement group than in the good to excellent improvement group (7.6 ± 4.5 vs 3.8 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that both PSQI score (odds ratio = 0.6 [95% CI = 0.5–0.8], p < 0.001) and scar type were correlated with postfractional CO2 laser effectiveness. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that PSQI score was negatively correlated with ECCA decline score (r = −0.6139, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that PSQI score (area under the curve = 0.759) and scar type (area under the curve = 0.737) were all closely correlated with postoperative effectiveness, without statistical difference between their accuracies (p = 0.647). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that both PSQI score and scar type correlated with postoperative effectiveness. Our results demonstrated that sleep quality correlates with the postoperative effectiveness of ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
Therapeutic maintenance effect of finasteride 1 mg every other month regimen in androgenetic alopecia and study on the difference in response to finasteride treatment: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Ki‐Hun , Kwon Soon‐Hyo , Sim Woo‐Young , Lew Bark‐Lynn
Published: January 2024

Finasteride is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic maintenance effect of a finasteride every other month (EOM) regimen and analyze clinical and laboratory differences in patients with AGA according to their treatment response. One hundred males with AGA who received finasteride 1 mg daily treatment for a year were enrolled in the study. At 1 year follow‐up, treatment responses of patients who completed the visit schedule were assessed using five scales. The patients were assigned to good or bad response groups according to their assessment. Further, they were randomly divided into two groups (daily vs. EOM) and treated with finasteride (1 mg) for 1 more year. At 2 years follow‐up, treatment efficacy was assessed. At 1‐year follow‐up, 36 patients completed the schedule, including eight and three patients in the good and bad response groups, respectively. At the 2‐year follow‐up, 23 patients completed the schedule, with nine in the daily group and 14 in the EOM group. Changes in global photographic assessment in the second year were 1.33 and 1.29 for the daily and EOM groups, respectively. The daily group showed an elevated hair density and lower concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the DHT to testosterone ratio (DHT/T). However, the EOM group showed decreased hair density and elevated DHT and DHT/T. Following treatment response assessment after 1 year of treatment, the good response group showed early onset which was associated with maternal AGA. Analysis of serum androgen hormone magnitude of DHT reduction was much greater (54.4% vs. 44.4%). DHT/T was higher in the bad response group (1.98 vs. 2.33). We concluded that the finasteride EOM regimen showed similar maintenance effects to the daily regimen.
Unraveling the connection: Uveitis prevalence and risk factors in psoriasis patients — a population‐based study
Authors: Patt Yonatan Shneor , Ben‐Shabat Niv , Sharif Kassem , David Paula , Patt Chen , Elizur Yoav , Shani Uria , Zacay Galia , Watad Abdulla , Amital Howard
Published: January 2024

The association between uveitis and spondyloarthropathy (SpA)‐related conditions is well‐established. However, evidence describing the link between uveitis and psoriasis, and psoriasis without concomitant SpA‐related conditions is scarce and conflicting. This large‐scale population‐based study sought to describe the prevalence and features of uveitis among psoriasis patients in Israel as well as investigating the risk for uveitis in different subgroups of psoriasis patients compared to the general population. We conducted a retrospective study utilizing the electronic database of the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization. The study included all patients diagnosed with psoriasis between 2000 and 2020, each patient was matched with four controls based on age, sex, place of residence, and index date. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between psoriasis and uveitis while adjusting for the presence of SpA‐related conditions. A total of 61 003 psoriasis patients and 244 012 matched controls were included. The prevalence of uveitis was 1.3% versus 1.1% respectively (OR  1.12; 95% CI 1.10–1.30; p < 0.001). When adjusting to psoriasis severity, concurrent SpA, and psoriasis treatment no significant association was found. The rates of uveitis among psoriasis patients with concurrent SpA‐related conditions was 3.2% compared to 1.4% in controls without psoriasis or SpA (OR 2.38; 95% CI 2.00–2.83; p < 0.001), while in psoriasis patients without SpA, the rate of uveitis was 1.0% and was similar to controls. Although crude rates of uveitis were higher in patients with severe psoriasis compared to mild psoriasis (2.1% vs. 1.1%), after adjustment, no significant association compared to controls was found in either group. Our findings suggest that the positive association between psoriasis and uveitis is primarily mediated by the coexistence of other SpA‐related conditions. These findings imply the presence of a shared pathogenetic mechanism and set the direction for a phenotypic‐targeted screening strategy.
Mosaic GJB2 mutations in widespread porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus: Report of two patients
Authors: Zhao Anqi , Wang Yumeng , Jia Ning , Lu Fangqi , Pan Chaolan , Wu Fei , Cao Qiaoyu , Li Xin , Wang Xinyi , Wang Shucui , He Wei , Zeng Qin , Huang Haisheng , Han Jianwen , Li Ming
Published: January 2024

Porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus (PAON) is a rare adnexal hamartoma characterized by keratotic papules following Blaschko's lines, typically located on the unilateral distal extremities. Cutaneous somatic GJB2 mutations have been linked to the pathogenesis of PAON. However, the genetic mechanism underlying bilateral or extended forms, which are less documented, remains unknown. In this study, we presented two cases of PAON with widespread cutaneous lesions and scalp involvement, and demonstrated the presence of GJB2 mosaic mutations in both patients. We further investigated the mosaic frequency in different tissues to gain insights into the mutation events contributing to the phenotype of widespread PAON. Our findings suggest that early postzygotic mutation causing mosaic GJB2 mutations may contribute to the widespread phenotype of PAON, thereby enriching the disease spectrum and mutation profile of PAON.
Genetic engineering employing MPB70 and its promoter enables efficient secretion and expression of foreign antigen in bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) Tokyo
Authors: Takeishi Atsuki , Shaban Amina K. , Kakihana Taichi , Takihara Hayato , Okuda Shujiro , Osada Hidekazu , Suameitria Dewi Desak Nyoman Surya , Ozeki Yuriko , Yoshida Yutaka , Nishiyama Akihito , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Aizu Yuki , Chuma Yasushi , Onishi Kazuyo , Hayashi Daisuke , Yamamoto Saburo , Mukai Tetsu , Ato Manabu , Thai Duong Huu , Nhi Huynh Thi Thao , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Shibata Satoshi , Obata Fumiko , Fujii Jun , Yamayoshi Seiya , Kiso Maki , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: January 2024

Vaccination is an important factor in public health. The recombinant bacillus Calmette Guérin (rBCG) vaccine, which expresses foreign antigens, is expected to be a superior vaccine against infectious diseases. Here, we report a new recombination platform in which the BCG Tokyo strain is transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding foreign protein fused with the MPB70 immunogenic protein precursor. By RNA‐sequencing, mpb70 was found to be the most transcribed among all known genes of BCG Tokyo. Small oligopeptide, namely, polyhistidine tag, was able to be expressed in and secreted from rBCG through a process in which polyhistidine tag fused with intact MPB70 were transcribed by an mpb70 promoter. This methodology was applied to develop an rBCG expressing the receptor binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Immunoblotting images and mass spectrometry data showed that RBD was also secreted from rBCG. Sera from mice vaccinated with the rBCG showed a tendency of weak neutralizing capacity. The secretion was retained even after a freeze‐drying process. The freeze‐dried rBCG was administered to and recovered from mice. Recovered rBCG kept secreting RBD. Collectively, our recombination platform offers stable secretion of foreign antigens and can be applied to the development of practical rBCGs.
A scalable and transferable approach to combining emerging conservation technologies to identify biodiversity change after large disturbances
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Socolar Jacob , Kahl Stefan , Peery M. Zachariah , Chaon Philip , Kelly Kevin , Koch Robert A. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Klinck Holger
Published: January 2024

Ecological disturbances are becoming more extensive and intensive globally, a trend exemplified by ‘megafires’ and industrial deforestation, which cause widespread losses of forest cover. Yet the hypothesis that contemporary environmental disturbances are affecting biodiversity has been difficult to test directly.

The novel combination of landscape‐scale passive acoustic monitoring, a new machine learning algorithm, BirdNET and improved Bayesian model‐fitting engines enables cohesive, community‐level before‐after, control‐impact studies of disturbances. We conducted such a study of a 2020 megafire in the Sierra Nevada, USA. We used a bespoke dynamic multi‐species occupancy modelling approach, which enabled us to account for imperfect detection, misclassifications, and to share information among species.

There was no community‐level difference in colonization between burned and unburned forest. In contrast, the probability of site extinction in burned forest, 0.36, was significantly higher than in unburned forest, 0.12. Of the 67 species in our study, 6 (9%) displayed a positive colonization response to the fire, while 28 (41%) displayed a significant extinction response.

We observed a 12% decrease in avian biodiversity 1 year post‐fire, and a substantial shift in community composition. However, in this ecosystem, many species display time‐dependent responses to the fire that are unobservable after just 1 year.

Synthesis and applications. We have shown that three emerging conservation technologies, passive acoustic monitoring, machine learning animal sound identification algorithms, and advances in Bayesian statistical tools, can provide previously unattainable information about biodiversity responses to ecological change. Critically, our approach is transferrable and scalable, as the workflow is agnostic to species or ecosystem and each component is either freely available (all relevant software) or relatively inexpensive (recording hardware). Environmental change is unfolding rapidly, but new analytical techniques may help our understanding and—thus interventions—keep pace.
Early experience in use of videolaryngoscopy by a neonatal pre‐hospital and retrieval service
Authors: Lacquiere David , Smith Jacob , Bhanderi Neel , Lockie Francis , Pickles Jacintha , Steere Mardi , Craven John , Mazur Stefan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe initial experience with use of the Glidescope Go videolaryngoscope by an Australian neonatal pre‐hospital and retrieval service.

Methods

We conducted a 31‐month retrospective review of an airway registry for neonates intubated by MedSTAR Kids clinicians.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were intubated using the Glidescope Go, compared with 50 using direct laryngoscopy. First‐pass success was 17/22 (77.3%) with the Glidescope Go and 38/50 (76%) with direct laryngoscopy. Complications occurred in 7/22 (32%) and 8/50 (16%), respectively.

Conclusions

On initial review of this practice change, videolaryngoscopy allows neonatal tracheal intubation with a comparable success rate to direct laryngoscopy in a pre‐hospital and retrieval setting.
Economics and the dreamtime revisited: Creating a truly Australian economic history?
Authors: Hunter Boyd
Published: January 2024

The Economics and the Dreamtime was a landmark in Australian Economic History where Noel Butlin elevated awareness of the central importance of Indigenous economic history. It was a sprawling inter‐disciplinary work that used economic tools to understand Indigenous society before first contact and in the early colonial period. This article revisits that book to provide a critical evaluation of the major contributions of Butlin's research on Indigenous Australians. His primary contribution was to make Indigenous people more visible in the Australian economy in the early colonial period. He created a unique backcasting methodology that allowed Indigenous population to be estimated in the first six decades of the colony based on depopulation from disease, resource loss and frontier violence. I argue that the two main shortcomings of Butlin's research is that his method used colonial estimates of the population and that the population estimates are not sufficiently geographically differentiated. The main criticism of Butlin's research in the literature is that it is too speculative. However, his methodological innovation allows considerable transparency in the assumptions used and can create a range of plausible estimates that give us a sense of the unreliability of the existing population estimates. Alternative methodologies based on estimating population densities in 1788 from anthropological evidence are historically point estimates, which do not provide a sense of how uncertain the estimates might be. The way forward for this debate is to combine Butlin's demographic backcast methodology with population density estimates that take into account the selective mortality from disease and frontier violence. Finally, in order to create a truly Australian Economic History, it is necessary to also augment the methodology to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the analysis and to utilise a local geography that acknowledges the diversity of Indigenous Australia.
A nomogram to predict stoma creation in elective surgical resection for penetrating Crohn's disease
Authors: Sun Zhenya , Cao Lei , Guo Zhen , Zhou Yan , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds

The decision to perform a stoma during surgical resection of penetrating Crohn's disease (CD) is a critical consideration. The objective of this study was to identify factors that influence stoma creation and develop a predictive nomogram model to assist surgeons in making optimal surgical decisions.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary center from December 1, 2012, to December 1, 2021, involving consecutive patients with penetrating CD who underwent elective surgical resection. The LASSO regression method was used to select preoperative predictors, and a nomogram was constructed using multivariate logistic regression. The performance of the nomogram was validated in an internal cohort by assessing its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.

Results

The study included 405 cases in the training group and 135 cases in the validation group. Nine risk factors for stoma formation were identified, including disease location, fistula resulted from previous anastomosis, absence of preoperative exclusive enteral nutrition support, albumin levels below 35 g/L, C‐reactive protein levels above 10 mg/L, hemoglobin levels below 100 g/L, perianal disease, internal fistula, and surgical approach. These risk factors were selected using the LASSO regression method, and a nomogram was developed based on them. The area under the curve and the coefficient of determination (R2) of the nomogram were 0.821 and 0.394, respectively. And the nomogram demonstrated good performance in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The nomogram exhibited good predictive ability for stoma formation during elective surgical resection for penetrating CD, which can assist surgeons in making informed clinical decisions.
Novel, intermediate‐fidelity simulator for aortic arch surgery for the cardiothoracic surgical trainee
Authors: Chang Shantel , Cole Christopher
Published: January 2024

Background

Training cardiothoracic surgeons in open aortic surgery is challenging due to limited operator experience, low patient volume and technically demanding skills to be performed within a deep thoracic cavity. Surgical simulation has become a cornerstone of cardiothoracic surgical training and has been shown to improve skill acquisition and performance in the operating theatre. Due to the complexity of aortic surgery, there is a paucity of simulators that are concomitantly accessible and of sufficient fidelity. The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible, intermediate‐fidelity simulator for aortic surgery.

Method

This novel simulator was constructed from plastic storage containers to simulate the depth of a thoracic cavity. Head vessels and distal arch were reconstructed within the stimulator with synthetic Dacron polyester grafts to maximize model fidelity. A porcine or bovine heart was used for the simulation of aortic root replacement and anastomosis to the distal arch graft.

Results

The simulator was reproduced in a wet‐lab skills session at an annual Australian cardiothoracic trainee meeting. Qualitative feedback was obtained from the current cardiothoracic trainees. It is a feasible model for the practice of aortic surgery.

Conclusion

As the surgical education paradigm shifts towards simulation, this easily reproducible, intermediate‐fidelity model provides an effective avenue to equip the trainee for the operating room and is a method of surgical training that can be considered by colleges.
Young adults with intellectual disabilities participating in employment‐related activities using the pathways and resources for engagement and participation intervention: A case study
Authors: Cowan Harry James Kinneil , Sheppard Loretta , Harrington Rosamund
Published: January 2024

Background

Participation‐focused interventions are gaining momentum. The Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) is one such intervention, and it was investigated in this study for its effectiveness in supporting participation in employment‐related activities for young adults with intellectual disabilities in Australia.

Methods

The application of the PREP approach was adapted to accommodate COVID‐19 restrictions. Data were gathered from multiple sources in a triangulating manner following a case study design. Measures of performance, satisfaction, and a third measure of involvement were collected using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in a multiple baseline format. The work questionnaire from the Assessment of Life Habits (Life‐H) was administered at three time points, and qualitative data were collected post‐intervention via a separate semi‐structured interview with four young adults with intellectual disabilities and the two occupational therapist facilitators.

Findings

Performance, satisfaction and involvement scores had increased for 75% or more of employment‐related goals at follow‐up, although these changes were not statistically significant. Visual analysis indicated improved Life‐H accomplishment scores post‐intervention, but satisfaction with employment scores did not change. PREP was positively perceived, but the young adults reported needing more support from their participation teams.

Conclusions

The PREP intervention shifts the focus from a skills‐based approach to a participation approach to practice and empowers young adults with intellectual disabilities to have greater independence over employment goals and related activities. COVID‐19 restrictions limited the application of the PREP approach, but the experience was still valued by the participants, although additional training and support for them and the PREP participation team working with them may have further enhanced their experience and participation outcomes.
Engaging student opinions on vaccine development innovation: Experiences from a “Shark Tank” project
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey S. , Skolnik Jeffrey M. , Ingram Mary , Kuo Yin‐Ming , Metzloff Ann E. , Jin Ruizhe , Wu Yuanhan , Kroushl Nik
Published: January 2024

A graduate course on vaccine development challenged students to propose concepts to improve upon current vaccine development paradigms in the context of a “Shark Tank‐style” format where students were asked to develop an abbreviated business plan and make a pitch to the “Sharks” (experienced academic and industrial vaccine researchers and developers) where they could request funding, research collaborations or regulatory guidance. Students were graded based on the components of their plan and on their ability to convince the “Sharks” of the feasibility and innovation potential of their project proposals. This approach to teaching vaccine development explored areas where novel approaches would be helpful and assessed current gaps in vaccine innovation. The class also utilized artificial intelligence‐based contributions using ChatGPT which has also been summarized. This summary of the collective view of the class provides recommendation for future campaigns to develop new vaccines and therapeutics.
Technology and health inequities in diabetes care: How do we widen access to underserved populations and utilize technology to improve outcomes for all?
Authors: Ebekozien Osagie , Fantasia Kathryn , Farrokhi Farnoosh , Sabharwal Ashutosh , Kerr David
Published: January 2024

Digital health technologies are being utilized increasingly in the modern management of diabetes. These include tools such as continuous glucose monitoring systems, connected blood glucose monitoring devices, hybrid closed‐loop systems, smart insulin pens, telehealth, and smartphone applications (apps). Although many of these technologies have a solid evidence base, from the perspective of a person living with diabetes, there remain multiple barriers preventing their optimal use, creating a digital divide. In this article, we describe many of the origins of these barriers and offer recommendations on widening access to digital health technologies for underserved populations living with diabetes to improve their health outcomes.
Preparation and thermal shock resistance of solar thermal absorbing corundum ceramics for concentrated solar power
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Liu Shaoheng , Liu Yang , Wu Jianfeng , Yu Jiaqi , Shen Yaqiang
Published: January 2024

The absorptivity of solar thermal absorber materials affects the heliothermal conversion efficiency of concentrated solar power systems. The solar absorbing ceramics were prepared by the fixed mixture of bauxit, Fe2O3, and TiO2 with adding CuO in different percentages. The absorptivity and thermal shock resistance with the effect of adding CuO in different percentages were studied. Fe2O3 and TiO2 have excellent optical properties, and CuO decreases the material's band gap to boost the electronic transition and increase the material absorptivity. The results showed that the material is sintered at 1380°C with an excellent absorptivity of 94.00% in the spectrum range of 0.3–2.5 μm, and the bending strength is 132.94 MPa. The bending strength was increased by 21.07% after 30 thermal shock cycles (1000°C‐room temperature, air cooling). The liquid phase facilitates the synthesis of hercynite with excellent high temperature properties. The hercynite improves the thermal shock resistance of the material.
Appetitive and psychological phenotypes of pediatric patients with obesity
Authors: Fox Claudia K. , Molitor Stephen J. , Vock David M. , Peterson Carol B. , Crow Scott J. , Gross Amy C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is a heterogeneous disease with variable treatment response. Identification of the unique constellation of contributors to obesity may allow for targeted interventions and improved outcomes.

Objective

Identify empirically derived phenotypes of pediatric patients with obesity based on appetitive and psychological correlates of obesity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included patients aged 5–12 years who were treated in a weight management clinic and completed standard intake questionnaires including Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), Vanderbilt ADHD Scale and Pediatric Symptom Checklist. Phenotypes were elicited using latent profile analysis of 12 indicators: eight CEBQ subscales, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Results

Parents/guardians of 384 patients (mean age 9.8 years, mean BMI 30.3 kg/m2) completed the intake questionnaires. A 4‐phenotype model best fits the data. Hedonic Impulsive phenotype (42.5%) exhibited high food enjoyment and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Inattentive Impulsive phenotype (27.4%) exhibited overall low food approach and high food avoid behaviours, and highest inattention. Hedonic Emotional phenotype (20.8%) scored the highest on food enjoyment, internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Picky Eating phenotype (9.3%) scored the lowest on food approach, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Conclusion

Appetitive traits and psychological symptoms appear to cluster in distinct patterns, giving rise to four unique phenotypic profiles, which, if replicated, may help inform the development of tailored treatment plans.
Self‐harm and suicidality among trans and gender diverse youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds—A scoping review
Authors: Macedo Davi , McEvoy Monica , Crowley Tim , Loughhead Mark , Procter Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Rates of suicidality and self‐harm are substantial among trans and gender diverse people, particularly among younger groups. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the state of the research conducted on determinants of mental distress, self‐harm and suicidality among trans and gender diverse (TGD) youth from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was used as a methodology guide. Inclusion criteria for study selection comprehended: publications on the intersectionality between gender non‐conformity and cultural and linguistic diversity; focus on a young population (≤25 years of age); publications addressing self‐harm and/or suicidality. Searches were conducted on eight databases and a public web search engine and yielded 474 results. Publications were screened and selected by two independent reviewers. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes overarching the findings. The screening process yielded seven peer‐reviewed studies and six research reports based on case studies, retrospective qualitative interviews, cross‐sectional and longitudinal survey analyses. The key themes approached in the retrieved literature include: (1) precipitating factors for suicidality; (2) pathways contributing to self‐harm and suicidality; and 3) barriers and facilitators for accessing services and mental health care. Practical actions to help mitigate suicidality among TGD youth from CALD backgrounds need to consider the impact of trauma and allow for the development of trust in the therapeutic relationship. Shifts in service delivery and policy formulation are necessary to reduce stigmatisation and potentialise the inclusion of different racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual and gender identity expressions in society.
Relationship between job demands, work engagement, emotional workload and job performance among nurses: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Ni Yun‐xia , Xu Ying , He Li , Wen Ya , You Gui‐ying
Published: January 2024

Aim

To explore the mediating effect of work engagement and the moderated mediating effect of emotional workload on the relationship between job demands and job performance among nurses.

Background

Nurses work in a high‐demand situation that could affect their job performance. However, previous studies have reported an inconsistent relationship between job demands and job performance. The underlying mechanism of how job demands influence job performance remains unclear.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 893 nurses from 14 cities in Sichuan Province between November and December 2021. Data were collected using the Job Demands Scale, Job Performance Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and emotional workload subscale of the Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work. Bootstrap and simple slope methods were used to test a moderated mediation model using Hayes' PROCESS macro. The STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized.

Results

Job demands had a positive effect on job performance, and this effect was mediated by work engagement. Emotional workload moderated the indirect relationship between job demands and job performance. Specifically, the positive effect of job demands on job performance via work engagement was attenuated in nurses with a high emotional workload.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the complex relationship between job demands and job performance. Work engagement and emotional workload deserve more attention to improve nurses’ performance.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Policymakers and nurse managers should make efforts to develop and implement strategies to foster nurses’ work engagement, reduce their emotional workload, and further help nurses efficiently deal with job demands.
Suicide death, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fan Zhan‐Hong , Xu Jie , Ge Meng‐Wei , Huang Jie‐Wei , Ni Hai‐Tao , Shen Wang‐Qin , Chen Hong‐Lin
Published: January 2024

Aims

Diabetes has been indicated to be a risk factor for suicide. We aim to estimate the prevalence of suicide in patients with diabetes.

Design

A meta‐analysis using PRISMA methodology was adopted to examine the incidence of suicide in diabetic patients.

Data Sources

From inception to October 2022, three online databases (PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science) were used to search studies.

Review Methods

We used random‐effects model to analysis. And our primary outcome was the incidence of suicide death per 100 person‐years, and other outcomes were prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. To explore the sources of heterogeneity in our study, we performed subgroup and meta‐regression analyses.

Results

The suicide death rate in diabetic patients was 0.027 per 100 person‐years, with a higher rate for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of suicidal ideation in diabetes patients was 0.175, with a higher prevalence in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of suicide attempts in diabetes patients was 0.033, indicating a higher rate for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus compared to Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Conclusions

The results indicate a high rate of suicide among people with diabetes, and this study identifies populations and regions at high risk for suicide. Our review emphasizes interventions in mental health and the improvement of suicide prevention programmes.

Impact

The study investigated suicide death, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in diabetic individuals.

Suicide rates are elevated among diabetic patients, and various patient groups face distinct suicide risks.

It is important to prioritize the mental well‐being of diabetic individuals and enhance interventions, including personalized approaches, to inform public health efforts aimed at preventing and addressing suicide among diabetic patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.
Cumulative blood pressure load and hypertensive nephropathy in Han Chinese hypertensive patients
Authors: Liu Kuan‐I , Hung Ming‐Hui , Huang Chin‐Chou , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: January 2024

The study aims to assess the relationship between cumulative blood pressure load (cBPL) and the risk of renal function decline in hypertensive patients and determine the blood pressure (BP) threshold required to prevent hypertensive nephropathy. A single‐center prospective cohort study was conducted on hypertensive patients. The cBPL was defined as the proportion of area beyond variable BP cutoffs under ambulatory BP monitoring. Renal events were defined as > 25% (minor) or > 50% (major) decline of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cox regression analysis was conducted between cBPL, other ambulatory BP parameters, and renal events. The results revealed a total of 436 Han Chinese hypertensive patients were eligible for enrollment. During an average follow‐up period of 5.1 ± 3.3 years, a decline of > 25% and > 50% in eGFR was observed in 77 and eight participants, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that cSBPL140 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.102; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017–1.193; p = .017), cSBPL130 (HR, 1.076; 95% CI, 1.019–1.137; p = .008), and cSBPL120 (HR, 1.054; 95% CI, 1.010–1.099; p = .015) were independently associated with minor renal events. Similarly, cSBPL140 (HR, 1.228; 95% CI, 1.037–1.455; p = .017), cSBPL130 (HR, 1.189; 95% CI, 1.045–1.354; p = .009), and cSBPL120 (HR, 1.155; 95% CI, 1.039–1.285; p = .008) were independently associated with major renal events. In conclusion, cBPL is associated with renal function decline in hypertensive patients. Minimizing cBPL120 may decrease the risk of hypertensive nephropathy.
Immune and antioxidant gene expression stimulation of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) larvae by Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the brewering industry
Authors: Moliné María de la Paz , Vázquez M. Magdalena , Moran Giardini Paloma , Domínguez Enzo , Fernández Natalia J. , Damiani Natalia , Quintana Silvina , Gende Liesel B.
Published: January 2024

The high overwinter mortalities in the honey bee population of Apis mellifera have been linked to immunocompromised individuals experiencing nutritional limitations. Larval nutrition plays a crucial role in determining the successful development of adults, making them more susceptible to bacterial diseases when undernourished. One of the main intracellular signalling pathways in the larval immune system against bacterial diseases is the Toll receptor signalling pathway, which activates antimicrobial peptides like defensin. Inadequate nutrition also disrupts the redox balance on A. mellifera individuals, with superoxide dismutase and catalase being the key components of their antioxidant system. Vitellogenin is associated with the mobilization of nutrients in early A. mellifera bee stages. Considering that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the second most significant by‐product of the brewing industry, it may serve as a valuable raw material. We investigated the impact of feeding larvae with live S. cerevisiae cells on the relative expression of their main immune and antioxidant‐related genes. To assess gene expression, we conducted RT‐qPCR, using RNA extracted from ten larvae per treatment on the seventh day when the feeding trial concluded. Importantly, the presence of S. cerevisiae did not affect larval survival compared to the control group. However, the relative expression of immune‐related gene toll18W and antioxidant‐related gene sod in larvae fed with live S. cerevisiae cells was significantly higher than in larvae that were not fed with them. This suggests that the inclusion of S. cerevisiae in their diet may provide larvae with a nutritional advantage. Additionally, the vitellogenin (vg) gene expression increased in treated larvae compared to the control group, potentially facilitating their access to nutrients and, consequently, enhancing their ability to cope with nutritional stress.
Measures of executive function may not be indicators of latent constructs
Authors: Holmén Jordan , Chaplin William , Del Vecchio Tamara
Published: January 2024

Executive function (EF) is represented by a multidimensional set of measures. The central EFs considered are inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility (task shifting). Unlike other ability constructs, it has proven difficult to identify latent factors that underlie EF. Research has often taken a factor analytic approach for grouping executive functioning tasks. However, this approach has often proven unsuccessful. We aimed to compare factor analysis to a network analytic approach, as network analysis can summarize the pattern of relationships among elements without creating latent constructs. One hundred and thirteen undergraduate students completed a series of nine executive functioning tasks. In comparing exploratory factor analysis to network analysis, we found neither approach provided a compelling higher order grouping of EF measures.
Racing to Zipf's law: Race and metropolitan population size 1910–2020
Authors: Fernholz Ricardo T. , Kramer Rory
Published: January 2024

Scholarship demonstrates that urban systems follow a power law population distribution if the population has full labor mobility. Theoretically, subpopulations should also follow a power law population distribution if that subpopulation also has full labor mobility. Examining city population distributions for White and Black Americans across US metropolitan areas from 1910 to 2020 shows that the White distribution mostly conforms to both Zipf's and Gibrat's laws throughout this period. In contrast, the Black population does not follow either law until the second half of the 20th century, a result that is consistent with theories of restricted mobility out of the South for Black Americans during the Jim Crow era.
Melatonin sensitizes leukemia cells to the MCL1 inhibitors S63845 and A‐1210477 through multiple pathways
Authors: Ye Kaiqin , Ni Jun , Liu Dongyan , Yang Shasha , Li Yunjian , Chen Meng , Shah Faheem Afzal , Chen Hui , Ji Wenbo , Zheng Yuting , Ma Junboya , Chen Xueran , Zhang Mingjun , Sun Naitong , Dai Haiming
Published: January 2024

Several myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 protein (MCL1) inhibitors including S64315 have undergone clinical testing for leukemia. Because of the toxicities after MCL1 inhibition, including hematopoietic, hepatic, and cardiac toxicities, there is substantial interest in finding agents that can sensitize leukemia cells to these MCL1 inhibitors. Melatonin is a chronobiotic that promotes chemo‐induced cancer cell death while protecting normal cells from cytotoxic effects. In this study, we found melatonin sensitizes over 10 leukemia cell lines to the MCL1 inhibitors S63845 (S64315 analog) and A‐1210477. Further studies demonstrate that melatonin sensitizes Jurkat cells to S63845 and A‐1210477 independent of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, but through multiple mechanisms, including upregulating the death receptor pathway, increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling, and causing cell cycle arrest. First, death receptor pathway inhibition only slightly diminishes the melatonin sensitization of S63845, while inhibiting mitochondrial ROS partially reduces the S63845/melatonin combination‐induced apoptosis and depletion of the mitochondrial pathway totally abolishes it, indicating that both death receptor and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways are involved. Second, transcriptome sequencing analysis found that NF‐κB signaling is downregulated by melatonin that inhibition of NF‐κB signaling by parthenolide also dramatically sensitizes Jurkat cells to S63845. Third, melatonin induces G1 cell cycle arrest and upregulates NOXA while NOXA knockdown diminishes the sensitization to S63845 by melatonin. In addition, a xenograft model suggests that melatonin in combination with S63845 causes shrinkage of leukemic deposit while S63845 or melatonin monotherapy only has limited effects. Thus, our results demonstrate that melatonin efficiently sensitizes various leukemia to the MCL1 inhibitors, potentially allowing the usage of lower doses.
Redefining emergence: Making the case for contextual emergence in critical realism
Authors: Navarrete Cristián , Fryer Tom
Published: January 2024

Emergence is central to critical realism, but there has been little attempt to develop a systematic account of this concept within the tradition. Two notable exceptions are seen in the work of Dave Elder‐Vass and Tony Lawson. However, both face problems in responding to reductionist claims and accounting for downward causation. This paper proposes contextual emergence as a robust alternative that overcomes these issues and provides a better justification for critical realism's stratified worldview. Contextual emergence explains that while properties at a lower ‘level’ offer necessary conditions, for emergence to obtain, there must also be contingent conditions at a higher ‘level’. This approach maintains many of critical realism's intuitions about emergence, providing a robust account of ontological stratification and downward causation.
Response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab specific for lung and lymph node metastases affects survival of patients with HCC
Authors: Yang Jiwon , Choi Jonggi , Choi Won‐Mook , Kim Kang Mo , Lee Han Chu , Shim Ju Hyun
Published: January 2024

Background & Aims

Tumour microenvironment heterogeneity among different organs can influence immunotherapy responses. Here, we evaluated the impact of differential organ‐specific responses on survival in patients with advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev).

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 366 consecutive patients with advanced‐stage HCC treated with Atezo/Bev as first‐line systemic treatment. Therapeutic response was assessed using RECIST v1.1. Patients were divided into an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) group (patients treated with ≥1 dose of Atezo/Bev) and a per‐protocol (PP) analysis group (patients with at least one measurable lesion irrespective of location treated with ≥3 doses of Atezo/Bev). Overall response and organ‐specific response at initial and best response were evaluated in the PP group. Responders were defined as patients achieving complete remission or partial response. Initial progressors were defined as patients with progressive disease after three doses of Atezo/Bev.

Results

The ITT and PP groups comprised 324 and 236 patients, respectively. In the PP group, the organ‐specific response rate of lung and lymph node (LN) metastases at both initial and best responses were higher than those of intrahepatic lesions and macrovascular tumour thrombosis. Lung and LN‐specific response rates were 21.1% and 23.5%, respectively, at initial response, and 24.7% and 31.4%, respectively, at best response. Both initial pulmonary and lymphatic progressors (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals], 6.37 [2.10–19.3], and 8.36 [2.16–32.4], respectively) were independently associated with survival regardless of intrahepatic response.

Conclusions

The response of metastatic HCC to the Atezo/Bev regimen may be used to determine whether to continue treatment or switch to second‐line treatment at an early phase of therapy.
Cirrhosis‐downregulated LSECtin can be retrieved by cytokines, shifts the TLR‐induced LSECs secretome and correlates with the hepatic Th response
Authors: Martínez‐López Sebastián , Ángel‐Gomis Enrique , Gómez‐Hurtado Isabel , Fernández‐Iglesias Anabel , Morante Javier , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi , Boix Paula , Cubero Francisco J. , Zapater Pedro , Caparrós Esther , Francés Rubén
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

We evaluated tolerogenic C‐type lectin LSECtin loss in cirrhosis and its potential regulation by cytokines.

Methods

Liver tissue from patients with cirrhosis and healthy controls, immortalised and generated LSECtin‐CRISPR immortalised LSECs, and murine primary LSECs from the CCl4 model were handled.

Results

LSECtin expression was reduced in liver tissue from cirrhotic patients, and it decreased from compensated to decompensated disease. Increased phosphorylation of MAPK, Akt and NFkB was observed upon LSECtin stimulation in LSEC murine cell line, showing a pattern of inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines either restrained (IL‐10, CCL4) or unrestrained (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, CCL2). CD44 attenuated whereas LAG‐3 increased all substrates phosphorylation in combination with TLR4 and TLR2 ligands except for NFkB. TNF‐α, IL‐1 β, IL‐6 and CCL2 were restrained by LSECtin crosslinking on TLRs studied. Conversely, IL‐10 and CCL4 were upregulated, suggesting a LSECtin‐TLRs synergistic effect. Also, LSECtin was significantly induced after IL‐13 stimulation or combined with anti‐inflammatory cytokines in cirrhotic and immortalised LSECs. Th17 and regulatory T cells were progressively increased in the hepatic tissue from compensated to decompensated patients. A significant inverse correlation was present between gene expression levels of CLEC4G/LSECtin and RORγT and FOXP3 in liver tissues.

Conclusion

LSECtin restrains TLR proinflammatory secretome induced on LSECs by interfering immune response control, survival and MAPKs signalling pathways. The cytokine‐dependent induction of LSECtin and the association between LSECtin loss and Th17 cell subset expansion in the liver, provides a solid background for exploring LSECtin retrieval as a mechanism to reprogram LSEC homeostatic function hampered during cirrhosis.